Communicating Through Clothes

Submitted by rtown1111 on Thu, 07/17/2008 - 19:03

the problem:

The City of Miami, Florida, is the second poorest urban area in the United States. Tragically, thousands of people, mainly children, are without proper clothing or shelter. One in three Miami children lives below the poverty level. This sad reality is contrasted with the extreme wealth of other Miami-Dade communities, such as South Beach and Fisher Island. About three years ago, my friends and I decided to contribute back to the community by collecting clothes for donations to homeless charities. We soon found ourselves with more than 60 hefty bags of clothes. Our target this year is to exceed that number and to use any other funds available for the purchases of new school items for children, such as backpacks and school supplies. Any money left over would be given, as a cash donation, to the two charities.

vital stats:

people impacted:

0

people involved:

0

why it's important:

I truly believe that this project is going to escalate this year to serve more children and families than the previous two years. My friends and I will be starting our campaign at school early in the year, encouraging other students and faculty members to remember the homeless each time they think of discarding or giving away used clothing, shoes and accessories. We also wish to help homeless students to feel prepared for school by giving them new supplies. Only quality clothing and other items are donated. If something needs repair, such as new buttons or new heels on shoes, we will take responsibility for fixing it/them before donating. In this way, we hope to make the new school year a successful one for every child in Miami-Dade County, Florida. I am 14 years old now and my plan is to continue this project for many years to come.

the plan of action:

Since the sixth grade, my friends and I have undertaken a service project in which we collect the nearly new used clothing of all the students at Miami Country Day School. As a private school, we are privileged to have collections of lovely designer clothes to recycle for the homeless. Once we separate the clothing and ensure that all the buttons and zippers are intact, we take them to the Miami Rescue Mission and the Community Partnership for the Homeless. This year, my plan is to expand the project by challenging each student to gather an extra bag of clothing by asking neighbors and friends for donations.

how you can get involved:

Help us to spread the word that all people, regardless of their financial means, can dress up and feel proud of their appearance.

project updates:

12/02/2008

Since the beginning of October, I have been shopping for children's clothing, planning the clothing drives at school and visiting the shelters with the goods I purchased. (Photos are being sent by regular mail.) Thanks to a successful drive at school, we have collected 40 bags of quality used clothing in children's sizes. We also have some lovely items for parents.

The visit to the shelters was one of the most inspiring short trips I have ever taken. I will never forget the happiness I brought with clothes purchased from the Do Something grant money. At the first shelter, the director engaged everyone in a thankful prayer. At the second shelter, the clothes were brought in to the children's playroom and they were so excited to see all the packages.

Next week, the two shelters have arranged to pick up the 40 bags of used clothing for the families at the shelters. I am happy to know that I have had a part in making their holidays happier this year.

Thanks to my mom's patience and encouragement, I was able to follow through with my project (Communicating Through Clothes). My parents are committed to charitable causes and they have influenced me. My next step is to continue this project with a grant application for a BRICK Award.

Comments

jovandavis says:

Yes thats a good thing, because you dont see to many people or organizations doing anythang for the youth in the commmunities. To see so much people get involved is a blessing.

difference_now says:

This project has inspired my friends and i to do a project like this in our area. Thanks fod making a difference.

Clothes4all says:

Way to go guys and girls. Hopefully we can come visit you in Florida. Look at our Clothes 4 all International project. use the same collection method we use.

Stevie's Daily Quote -" A Champions heart is not just winning or loosing the game: it's having the desire to bounce back after an unlucky day ! "

Tylor's Daily Quote - " I am highly motivated and driven by my desires to reach my goals! "
Stevie S. & Tylor S.
Founders of Clothes 4 All International

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