What a strange power there is in clothing.~Isaac Bashevis Singer
Clothes do have power don't they? How many of you own at least one pair of blue jeans that you just love? They fit well, they are the right length and when you have them on they have the power to make you feel like a super-model. Or at least a model for the JC Penney catalog...
And the power doesn't just apply to jeans. What about that favorite pair of pajamas (or for me, my favorite robe) or sweatshirt or sweatpants that define comfy and make the stress of the day fade away? Who doesn't know a man who has a favorite shirt that you'd secretly like to throw away, but he thinks it is the greatest piece of clothing ever manufactured? And...why is it that men think they have to have every t-shirt or hat sold at every sporting event or, in our case, car show, known to man? Is it really necessary to have a t-shirt for every annual antique and classic car parade for 12 years in a row??? I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that it must be the male equivalent to a woman having 10 different pair of black shoes...and that is another blog all of it's own.
Clothing doesn't hold this power for adults only. It applies to children too, and when you throw in the desire that most kids have to want to fit in, that power multiplies. I recently had the opportunity to meet an amazing couple who are providing gently worn clothing for students in the Lakota school district. Normally I would have thought how wonderful this is and gone on with my business.
For the past two weeks the thoughts of how many children in my own school district who could benefit from this has weighted heavily on my mind. After multiple, and I do mean multiple, talks with Mark, we are seriously considering starting an organization to provide qualifying children in the Hamilton City school district the same opportunity. There are still lots of particulars to work out, I am doing some research and interviewing others who are doing the same thing, including a group in Oregon, but the general idea is that we will organize donated clothing and through referrals from the schools provide clothing to children who need it to stay warm or replace what they've outgrown. More importantly it will provide them with power. The power that comes from knowing someone cares, that they too, can fit in with their friends, that they have something to wear to school.
So, I am asking for your feedback. I've talked to a few teachers and my friend who works for the school board, they are supportive and think this will be beneficial. What do you think? Don't be afraid of hurting my feelings, Kyle thinks I've lost my mind, I can handle it. If you have questions, let me know, it may be something I haven't thought of. Thanks, I will keep you posted.
I think this a terrific idea! It is going to be a lot of work, but all things worthwhile require work and time. I've lots of really good clothing in children and adult sizes that need a home. Let me know when you plan to get started. I would love to come out and help with the cleaning, organizing, folding, ironing, whatever. I'll start stockpiling laundry detergent, fabric softener and clothes hangers.
ReplyDeleteCris, this is such a worthwhile endeavor. You and Mark will be richly blessed because of it. Best wishes and prayers to both of you as you take on this project.
This sounds like a fantastic idea, and yes, it would be a lot of work. You may want to consider working thriugh an existing non-profit organization- this was you can use their tax exempt # to purchase those laundry items, as well as providing donors with a receipt for taxes. Clothing values could be based off the well-established ones used by Goodwill Services for tax purposes. Ultimately, you will want to form your own non-profit, so start record keeping EVERYTHING now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback. Dr Cobb, I value your friendship and support. I will gladly take all the help I can get! Mary, maybe we can get together this weekend if you have time. I'd like to pick your brain, I'm sure your experience with the scouts would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE, LOVE it!! I think that if this is something you think you can do and you feel so passionately about it you should go with it!! I can tell you first hand you would be able to help so many children. Character education is HUGE in Hamilton City Schools--what a great example of compassion coming from the community! What a blessing you would be to so many!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! I am moving forward with this and have started working on getting a non-profit status. I will keep you updated.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and applaud this endeavor! It sounds like a lot of work but would be so rewarding in the end. If you need volunteers for laundry, running errands, or any other tasks please include both Mike and I.
ReplyDelete