District 202 hosted its inaugural free shopping event on August 3 to give clothes and school supplies to families in need before the first day of school on August 15, 2024.
Families came to the shop, set up at Ira Jones Middle School, to pick out clothing pulled from unclaimed lost and found items at District 202 schools, and from community donations.
Christina Edwards, District Health Services Director and event organizer said the clothing was washed, sorted, and organized.
“Understanding the challenges of starting a new school year, this initiative was designed to ease that burden by providing essential items, ensuring that every child could begin the year with confidence,” Edwards said.
Typically lost and found items left at the end of each school year are donated to a nonprofit group.
The clothing was repurposed into valuable resources for District 202’s needy, newcomer, and homeless families, Edwards said.
The event was supported by staff and students alike.
Post Secondary Transition and Education Program or P-STEP students from Heidi Beiler’s Extended School Year program washed, folded, and sorted the clothing, Edwards said.
The P-STEP students worked throughout the summer on this project. The students went to the laundromat to clean, sort, and package the clothes.
The 18 to 21-year-old students also organized the donated school supplies.
The work also helped the P-STEP students improve their soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and work ethic.
National Honor Society students from Plainfield North High School and Plainfield High School-Central Campus contributed by hanging signs and assembling display racks to showcase the clothing items for easy shopping.
District 202 plans to establish a Family Closet where families in need can come throughout the year to get clothing and school supplies, Edwards said.
“Providing families with the opportunity to shop for clothes and school supplies not only addresses their immediate needs but also sends a powerful message of support and encouragement,” said Edwards.
Another free shopping event is planned for December.