News - Press Releases
TUSD Clothing Bank launches "New Socks for a New Year" Clothing Drive
NEWS RELEASE
Posted on: December 9, 2011
Contact: Elga Torres, Elga.Torres@tusd1.org, (520) 584-6742
Tucson Unified School District's Clothing Bank is holding a "New Socks for a New Year" donation drive through the end of January.
During the winter, there is a particular need for socks, shoes, pants and jackets to keep children warm. Clothing Bank Coordinator Elga Torres hopes that the "New Socks for a New Year" drive will bring in socks for girls and boys, and other much needed items during the winter and holiday season.
"It's tough when we need socks and shoes and we don't have them to give," says Torres. "But every child still leaves with something. We want the community to know that we have children and families who need help and we are here to serve them."
The Clothing Bank serves more than 5,000 students and families each year – a number that has been growing over the past couple of years with the struggling economy. Students may shop at the clothing bank once each semester and can leave with a week's worth of clothes. Increased demand has lowered available supplies and put a strain on providing students with a school-ready wardrobe.
The TUSD Clothing Bank provides free clothing to homeless and low-income students who qualify for McKinney-Vento services or the Free and Reduced Meals program. The items that are distributed to students are all donated and also include underwear, hygiene kits, and backpacks filled with supplies.
"You don't need to give children an expensive toy to make them smile," says Torres. "Kids are excited to come to the Clothing Bank because they feel like they are shopping and are grateful for everything they receive."
TUSD will be collecting "New Socks for a New Year" for children of all ages at two locations through the end of January:
- The Clothing Bank located at Myers/Ganoung Elementary School, 5000 E. Andrew St.
- TUSD District Office located at the Robert D. Morrow Education Center, 1010 E. Tenth St.
Donation boxes will be available to drop off items Monday through Friday, 7:45 am - 4 pm. Both sites will be closed for the winter holidays December 23, 26, and 30, and January 2 and 16.
The Clothing Bank also accepts general donations of new and gently used clothing items year-round. All donations to the Clothing Bank are tax deductable.
For more information, please call Clothing Bank Coordinator Elga Torres at (520) 584-6742 or see the Clothing Bank Web page.