School clothing distribution set

Starting Sept. 11, nearly 3,200children throughout Lorain County will receive backto-school clothing.

Starting Sept. 11, nearly 3,200 children throughout Lorain County will receive back-to- school clothing at two sites thanks to a partnership between Lorain County commissioners, the county’s Department of Job & Family Services and the Lorain County branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.

Under the program, federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds were used to purchase and distribute the clothing, according to a news release from the Clubs.

Each child will receive about $350 worth of clothing, the release said.

Clothing bags are packed according to the selections made by families and no new orders are being taken.

The bags can be picked up at two Club locations by families that ordered the clothing.

There are five pickup dates are from Sept. 11-21.

This is the fifth year for the program.

Families could choose from a uniform, play or combination package.

Depending on the family’s selection, the child will receive a book bag, gym shoes, 3-in-1 coat, khakis or joggers, polo or T-shirts, hoodie sweatshirt, socks and hats.

“We are so fortunate in Lorain County to have the full support of our commissioners and Job & Family Services in expanding this clothing program so that we can serve the kids that need us most,” said Mike Conibear, regional director of the Lorain County branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.

“With all of the uncertainty associated with employment and reopening schools this fall, we are pleased that we are able to do a little bit to relieve parents’ anxiety.

“Although this is our fifth year doing the clothing program, this year the program seems more crucial than ever.”

Boys & Girls Club staff members have been packing the bags at the Desich Family Campus in Lorain.

Distribution will take place at the Desich Family Campus, 4111 Pearl Ave. in Lorain, and Elyria South Community Center, 1821 Middle Ave. in Elyria, on the following dates and times:

• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 11

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 12

• 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 18

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 19

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 21 Families that have signed up for the program will be told which site they should go to in order to pick up their bags, according to the release.

Lorain residents will pick up their bags at the Desich Family Campus; all other Lorain County residents will go to the Elyria South location.

This is the largest clothing distribution undertaken by the Clubs during the five years the program has existed, according to the release.

Last year, the Clubs distributed 847 bags of clothing, the release said.

SUBMITTED An employee of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio prepares clothes for students.