Many groups helping Arlington’s Kid’s Kloset fill needs

Published 12:01 am Friday, September 16, 2011

ARLINGTON — In the current economy, a growing number of parents are finding they can use the help from groups such as Kids’ Kloset in Arlington.

The nonprofit organization provides new clothes and hygiene products to preschool children through high school students in the Arlington, Lakewood

and Darrington school districts.

To help make sure students get what they need, the Stillaguamish Tribe this month donated $10,000 to Arlington Kids’ Kloset. The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe also contributed $2,500 to help buy clothing and hygiene supplies for students in the Darrington area.

So far in 2011, Kids’ Kloset has received nearly $30,000 in grants from the tribes and regional organizations such as the Glaser Foundation, Weyerhaueser, Puget Sound Energy, Opus Bank and the Greater Everett Community Foundation, said the organization’s spokeswoman Kimberly Meno.

Kids’ Kloset, which is housed in a large basement room of the old Arlington High School, also provides new shoes, school supplies and books to children and teens.

Since the doors opened in May 2005, the volunteer-operated organization has served thousands of children, Meno said.

“For students whose families live in poverty, the effects of poor hygiene, ill-fitting or tattered clothes or even ‘the wrong clothes’ can be devastating for a student’s self-esteem and confidence, often having far-reaching and lasting consequences later in life,” Meno said. “The goal of Arlington Kids’ Kloset is to give every child the opportunity to be confident in their appearance and secure in their abilities.”

Arlington Kids’ Kloset relies on grants, donations, volunteers and contributions of new and gently-used clothing. To learn more or to contribute to the cause, contact Kimberly Meno at 360-435-4875 or kimberlymeno@msn.com. Arlington Kids[‘] Kloset is located at 135 S. French St., Arlington.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.