Back to School Clothing Drive Needs More Help

By Alice Tessier

The program, sponsored by the United Way of Western Connecticut, provides new school clothes for children living in Bridgewater, Kent, New Milford, Roxbury, Sherman, Warren and Washington.

“At this time, I can’t commit to all the kids,” said Kathy Thomas, the program coordinator for United Way of Western Connecticut, in an interview this week. “I have a waiting list for New Milford.”

Last year, she said, the program provided for 250 children, and this year there’s more need.

The social service administrators from area towns and agencies determine eligibility and provide information on the families that need assistance.

“The social workers give us names by July 9, but other families seek assistance afterward,” Mrs. Thomas explained. “I tell Peg [Peg Molina, in New Milford’s Social Services Department] not to turn anyone away. We will be handing out the first batch of things to kids Aug. 20, but we’ll still be taking assistance until then. There are about 100 kids who still need clothing.”

Mrs. Thomas added, “There are so many ways people can help. They can sponsor a child—as individuals or in a group—and I’ll give let them know whether they will be shopping for a boy or girl and give them the child’s size and favorite colors as well as things for a backpack and personal care.”

That’s one way, but there are other ways to participate.

“People who don’t want to sponsor a child may send in money or they can go shopping for a child and get reimbursed afterward for their spending, because I can’t do all of the shopping myself,” Mrs. Thomas said.

According to the guidelines for the clothing drive, the organizers would like each child to receive two outfits of clothing (pants and shirt, or skirt and shirt), three sets of underwear, three pairs of socks, a pair of sneakers, and a winter jacket in addition to a backpack and school supplies as well as personal care grooming items.

Mrs. Thomas approximates that it costs $250 to fulfill the above per child.

“People like to help kids,” she said, adding that the kids get really excited when they receive the gifts and get energized for the school year ahead.”

United Way relies on local neighbors, community churches, clubs, and corporations to provide clothes and school supplies for the families.

“United Way is focused on education and helping children succeed in school,” she has previously stated. “This vibrant program helps kids start the new school year feeling good about themselves and equipped with the essential supplies necessary to succeed.”

For more information about the back-to-school assistance program, contact Mrs.Thomas at the United Way office at 860-354-8800 or e-mail her at kthomas@uwwesternct.org.

Contributions may be sent to United Way of Western Connecticut, Back to School Clothes for Kids, 21 Main St., P.O. Box 29, New Milford, CT 06776.