Back to School clothing drive set for Aug. 12

TORRINGTON » The Chief’s Community Action Council in partnership with The Torrington Early Childhood Collaborative (TECC) will be holding its 10th annual Junior Dress for Success Free Back to School Clothing and School Supply & Community Resource and Informational Fair on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Torrington Armory& Coe Park on South Main St., Torrington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This event allows over 400 area families to “shop” through donated items to help their families start the school year with supplies. Back to School supply shopping costs the average American family over $683 per child between school clothes and supplies, according to American Express. Donations of new and gently used clothing (3T-16), new underwear and socks are needed. These donations may be brought to Doyle’s Medical Supply, 25 Coe Place, Torrington, or to the Torrington Armory on Friday, August 11 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Chief Michael Maniago of the Torrington Police Department and his Community Action Council have partnered with Labbe and the TECC to offer information and services as well. In conjunction with the Dress for Success, families can visit Coe Memorial Park to meet with various community service providers while enjoying free food and entertainment for their kids.

“All of the agencies on our council have been working hard to see this program help so many worthy low income hard working families in our area. Members of our council like Baroco and Community Systems, Inc. have even held fundraisers to donate all of the school supplies and food. But we are coming down to the wire and it’s critical that as a community, we come together to help too—we still need donations of clothing and volunteers to help these families,” Maniago said. “The more we can do now, together, the more we can ensure a great year for our kids.”

To volunteer, or for any questions, contact Donna Labbe, dlabbe@torrington.org.

The Chief’s Community Action Council, an initiative of the Chief of Police, was commissioned to give advice and tackle social issues in partnership with the Torrington Police Department. Made up of concerned citizens and community organizations like The Torrington Youth Service Bureau, Torrington PAL, Baroco, DCF, Community Systems Inc, TECC, New Opportunities, First United Methodist Church and the McCall Center for Behavioral Health, the committee meets monthly to make Torrington a better community by addressing concerns and issues that face each group and the community at large.