Polka Dot Powerhouse new clothing donations due by Dec. 8

The Lewes chapter of Polka Dot Powerhouse, a nationwide women’s networking circle, is hosting its annual dream clothing drive to support Clothing Our Kids and the children of Sussex County.

The group is collecting new clothing (with tags on) and is specifically seeking: adult-sized coats; new clothing of all sizes (child sizes 4-20, adult S-XL, junior girl sizes 3/5 to 17/19, and plus sizes); school-appropriate zippered hoodies; and sneakers (no other shoes). For sneakers, there is a large need for girls’ sizes child 8 through women’s size 11, and boys’ sizes child 8 through men’s size 13.

Donations are being accepted through Friday, Dec. 8.

Drop-off locations throughout Sussex County include: Summit Community Bank, 18467 Coastal Highway, Suite 101, Lewes; Milton Public Library, 121 Union St., Milton; Millsboro Public Library, 217 W. State St., Millsboro; and Good Earth Market, 31806 Good Earth Lane, Ocean View.

Anyone who would like to donate but cannot get to a drop-off location or who needs more information may contact Mary Grace Barbye at 856-981-7450 or mbarbye@comcast.net, or go to clothingourkids.org and polkadotpowerhouse.com/chapters/lewes-de.

Clothing Our Kids also accepts donations by check, made out to Clothing Our Kids.

The mission of Clothing Our Kids is to improve the lives of at-risk Head Start through middle school-aged children by providing them with appropriate school clothing.

In Sussex County, many children do not have essential school clothing, which has a direct negative impact on their self-esteem, their school attendance and their ability to learn. This lack can also lead to bullying.

It is the goal of Clothing Our Kids to assist these youngsters with an equal start in their early education and help them become successful students.