ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- A unique charity called Clothes to Kids helps out thousands of families each year in Pinellas County.
The organization hopes to help even more families when a second location opens up in St. Petersburg.
However, to get the new place open before the end of the year, the organization needs your help.
"Hopefully we'll be able to get this store open before the end of the year so we can service additional clients who may not otherwise start shopping until January," Jennifer Silva with Clothes to Kids said.
Women working in the back room are sorting through donated clothing that will go to kids on free and reduced lunch in Pinellas County.
Children get an entire wardrobe that includes a jacket, 4 bottoms, 5 tops, along with brand new socks and underwear.
More than 9,000 wardrobes went out last year from the Clearwater location. The new location means even more families will be served.
"If it all works out for us from a funding standpoint and volunteer standpoint, next year we could easily reach close to 20,000 children," Silva said.
However, to reach that goal, Clothes to Kids needs your help. There are many jobs. You can sort through clothes, help kids pick out cool shoes, or even donate items.
A fresh look always makes children feel better, but if budget is an issue, sometimes the priority for parents has to be food rather than clothes.
"As soon as we get colder weather, we've had teachers that say their classroom is empty," Silva said. They (the teachers) reach out to the parents to find out why and they don't have appropriate clothing to keep them warm, so they just don't go to school."
Volunteers say by helping children, you'll also feel better.
If you want to volunteer you can call Clothes to Kids or go to the Clothes to Kids website.
