This browser does not support the Video element.
Free clothes for kids with the boutique experience
It's what's right with Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Fla. - Looking around the Clothes to Kids store, you would think it would cost a pretty penny to shop here.
"Our mission is to provide new and quality used clothing to low-income and in-crisis school-age children free of charge," said Jennifer Jacobs, executive director of Clothes to Kids.
Clothes to Kids does just that -- provides free clothes to kids on free or reduced lunch at school.
"They get a pair of shoes. They get five new pairs of socks, five new pair underwear, four bottoms, five tops, and if the kid is at a uniform school, it will also include up to two uniform tops and two uniform bottoms."
Over the years, they have helped give away more than 160,000 wardrobe ensembles – that’s as many as three million individual articles of clothing.
Due to COVID-19, parents and students weren’t allowed into the store. So they started packing the ensembles into to-go bags, and it’s been a hit.
They were able to distribute 2,200 of the bags over the summer, and so far this fall, they’ve handed out 4,000 back-to-school bags.
“We realize that curbside and to-go is working. Our families are able to come and pick it up when it’s convenient for them.”
Clothes to Kids is not only helping students look good, but helping their self-esteem as well, Jacobs added.
“When you know that you’ve giving something to a kid who really needs it, there’s nothing better.”
The organization wasn't able to hold its fundraiser event this year because the pandemic, so they decided to have a sign campaign to help raise money for shoes.
LINK: For more information on ho you can help, visit www.ClothesToKids.org.