Clothe-A-Child helps local children despite donation decline

More than 300 Lake and Geauga county children have received new clothes this year courtesy of the donors and volunteers of Clothe-A-Child.

The Clothe-A-Child program has been taking local children in need between the ages of 5 and 12 around the Great Lakes Mall to purchase new clothes for more than 30 years. Program coordinator Pam Jenkins said she is appreciative of those who donate to Clothe-A-Child and volunteer their time, but that the program has been experiencing a decline in donations.

As a result, they have not been able to help as many children as they have in the past.

“In 2014 we shopped for 800 children, but with the declining donations this year we were only able to help just 340 children,” Jenkins said. “As coordinator of CAC my goal is to help all the families that have applied for our help and meet the financial requirements, so these are disappointing numbers.”

Jenkins estimates the program has seen a nearly 40% decrease in funding over the last five years.

Clothe-A-Child reported raising $74,282.50 in 2019.

“We can take satisfaction that 340 children have new warm winter clothes and shoes due to the efforts of our volunteers and the community that supports Clothe-A-Child,” Jenkins said.

According to Jenkins, the program has over 100 active volunteers and receives additional support from JC Penney and The

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Thanks to monetary donations and hundreds of volunteers, Clothe-A-Child has been providing new clothing and shoes for needy children ages 5 through 12 in Lake and Geauga counties for two generations.

Shoe Department Encore at the Great Lakes Mall, where the shopping takes place.

Jenkins hopes to be able to fill the needs for even more children who apply

To donate, send a check to Clothe-A-Child, c/o The News-Herald, 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094 or visit www.news-herald. com/clothe-a-child. Please indicate how you would like your name to appear in our published donor lists.

for the program in the future. Requests are prioritized on a first-come, firstserved basis, and more funding would mean more children helped.

“There are so many kids

I would like to help, but we can’t do that unless we have the donations,” Jenkins said.

Those interested in donating, volunteering or applying can visit www. news-herald.com/clothea-child for more information. Funds are accepted year-round, and applicants must provide verification of the need.

“We are very appreciative of all the people that have supported our mission over the last three decades and hope they continue to do so,” Jenkins said.