Clothing Our Kids is now in its 11th year, and it’s clear that since our inception, the need for school clothing assistance in our community is significant.
Over the past 10-plus years, COK has distributed nearly 183,000 articles of clothing to about 31,000 children and is able to meet that demand for new school clothing thanks to your continued support of COK’s mission.
The year 2022 came with several challenges that will continue into 2023. These include supporting all the Sussex County middle school kids in need – larger-size clothes are expensive! Late in 2022, we answered many calls for clothing from family shelters and emergency family relief services. Clearly, the need is great. We have redoubled our efforts to reach out to all Head Start and preschool programs while keeping up with the elementary school demand thanks to Karen Borges and her group at the center.
Appreciation also goes to Chris Kellogg and his team for managing a very successful golf outing, and to Monica Anthenelli and Diane Poletti for their efforts organizing several new clothing drives last year.
On many levels and in many ways, we are all behind the scenes when helping the kids. Having the school nurse/counselor/teacher present the clothes is a big deal. Some have said they’re touched by the reaction when the child receives the clothing package, and they feel like superheroes. COK has come a long way in 11 years, but none of our work would have been possible without support from each and every one of you. So, for your kindness and for providing hope and promise to those who have so little, thank you so very much from me personally and the COK board of directors.