The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
3,000 bags of clothing distributed
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County provide items for students
Staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County is distributing 3,200 bags of clothing which were assembled for Lorain County youth.
The initiative is a partnership between the Clubs, Lorain County commissioners and the Lorain County Department of Job & Family Services.
The program utilizes TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funds and is geared toward eligible families with children between the ages of 6 and 15.
Kendall Krueger, program manager for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, said this is the reward for the Clubs for all of their hard work.
“When I step back and recognize all the gratitude that surrounds this program, it’s amazing,” Krueger said. “There are days in the trenches when we’re packing bags and don’t see the end.
“But, being out there now and interacting with families, makes it worth it.”
Krueger said the $2 million grant will allow for each child to receive $500 worth of clothing including pants, shirts, shoes, intimate items and outerwear.
Distribution began earlier the week of Oct. 4 and continues to Oct. 15.
“This whole week, we’ve done a drive-thru set up,” Krueger said. “But next week, they will have to park, come in and find their bag.”
Families can pick up their bags at 4111 Pearl Ave. in Lorain or 1821 Middle Ave. in Elyria.
“We have the same operation going at two different locations, so it’s manageable,” Krueger said.
A small team of 10 to 15 volunteers have worked throughout the process, she said.
“It’s been a lot of work, but we’re all in it for the right reasons,” Krueger said. “I’ve gotten to know my staff on a more personal level because of the hours we spent together.”
Adrian Sanchez, director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County, said he loves to see the families during the distributions.
“The physical part can be taxing, but it’s the coolest thing to receive gratitude and see the kids themselves,” Sanchez said. “These are the kids who are being blessed by this program, and it makes it all worth it.”
Sanchez said families still can signup their youngsters up to join the Clubs.
“Applications can be picked up at any of our school locations or traditional sites,” he said. “This specific Club will start on Oct. 18.”
He encourages families to reach out for in-school tutoring or after-school involvement.
“We’re here for families, and for the kids,” Sanchez said. “Our SPARK program does one-on-one tutoring in school for any children who may be struggling with reading and writing.”
Krueger said families not receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits but in need of clothing, can contact her via email for assistance.
“If they weren’t eligible for this program, we have a personal care closet where we can provide clothes and other personal hygiene items,” she said. “We have a lot of clothing items that are winter related as well as providing a new pair of shoes.”