The beginning: An increasing number of immigrants moved into the county during the 1980s without appropriate clothes to suit the area’s weather. A group of volunteers decided to help kids from low-income families countywide in 1984.
How it works: Referrals are made for low-income children enrolled in the Edmonds School District, Snohomish County Head Start and Early Head Start. Also, families with emergency referrals because of sudden relocation or fire can receive free clothes.
Clients: Helped approximately 1,700 children and their families per year. Most are English or Spanish speakers. There are also diverse populations including Vietnamese, Cambodian, Russian, Ukrainian, Bosnian and Filipino.
Language barrier: “It’s very hard!” director Sharie Ennis said with a laugh. Most of the volunteer staff are retired people who are not bilingual. Body language is used often. The referral form and explanations about the organization are translated into eight languages.
Kids becomes translators: “It probably makes them feel good that they’re the ones who can relate information back to their parents,” said volunteer Nancy Laird-Burris. “They’re proud that they can speak English.”
A good laugh: Found very sexy lingerie and ’70s go-go boots in the donation bags. “Every donation bag is a surprise,” Ennis said. “You never know who is going to hide what in the bags.”
Frustration: Happens when there are not enough items or sizes the families need.
Needs: Volunteers, money and donations of new (ages 3 through adult) slippers, nightwear, socks, hats, gloves, underwear, scarves, shoes and travel-size personal care items.
Also need gently used clean children’s clothes (from infants’ sizes through adults’) and shoes.
Donations are accepted Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 425-431-7285.
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