Clothes for Kids: One Shopper Can Make a Difference

A new outfit. A warm winter coat. A pair of shoes that fit.

For many of us, these may seem like simple necessities. But for a child who started the school year without something new to call their own, they can mean so much more. They can provide comfort, confidence and the reminder that someone in their community cares.

That is the heart behind Clothes for Kids (C4K), a community initiative of the Defiance Area Foundation. And this September, Clothes for Kids is once again asking Defiance County to step up and help make a difference for local children.

Last year, 197 donors helped provide clothing for 295 children across Defiance County, representing approximately $62,569 in community impact. An additional $17,587 in monetary donations helped the program purchase clothing for students who did not have an individual shopper.

But behind every number is a child.

Clothes for Kids began when local community philanthropist Sharron Farrell recognized that some families simply could not afford new clothing for their children. She took one step to help meet that need, and what began as a small effort has grown into a county-wide tradition of generosity that reaches hundreds of children each year.

Now, the program needs the community’s help to continue that legacy.

Beginning September 8, community members can sign up to become Clothes for Kids shoppers. Participating schools will identify students and gather their clothing sizes throughout September. Shoppers will then be matched with a child and receive their size assignments from October 5-7.

From there, the fun begins: it’s time to shop!

Shoppers purchase new clothing and essentials based on their child’s sizes and return the items to the collection bins at the Defiance Elks by Friday, October 23. You don’t have to make a huge gesture to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes it starts with simply choosing to shop for one child.

Ready to help? To become a Clothes for Kids shopper, email deficlothesforkids@gmail.com. Those who would rather make a monetary donation can visit DEFIANCEAREAFOUNDATION.ORG/COMMUNITY. Checks may also be mailed to the Defiance Area Foundation, 613 W. Third St., Defiance, OH 43512, with C4K in the memo line.

Together, our community can provide more than new clothing. We can give hundreds of local children a boost of confidence and show them that Defiance County cares.