The Putnam Education Partnership Foundation urgently needs children’s winter clothing and is asking the community to help out by donating.
PEP Foundation Executive Director Katelyn Steakley said donated winter clothes will go to the care closets across the Putnam County School System for students and staff in need. Steakley said the need important, as the care closet is short over a hundred pairs of pants.
“It is very immense this time of year as schools are preparing their closets for winter, and so we are looking to the community to help us collect pants,” Steakley said. “Specifically, children’s pants, sweatshirts, and leggings, as well as underwear for students.”
Steakley said there is a need every year for winter clothes across the school system. Steakley said the clothes can help students throughout the day who experience anything from an accident to an extreme need at home.
“This just gives teachers and counselors the opportunity to serve students who are in need immediately and then also help support them just in all of their non-academic ways through the care closet,” Steakley said.
Steakley said it is important to have these clothing items on hand to help students while they are at school.
“Anytime that we can support not only our students but our educators in meeting student needs, it’s just a true honor,” Steakley said. “And this gives us that ability to come alongside teachers so they are not using their own money to pay for these items, but it also allows for our schools to be able to meet needs immediately, and not have to wait for someone to run to the store or call mom or call home. Kids can be comfortably back in their learning environment as soon as possible, and we are just so thankful that our community comes alongside us to meet those needs.”
Steakley said the foundation is looking for clothing that is new or like-new clothing. Steakley said donations can be dropped off at the PEP Foundation’s office, which is located at Avery Trace Middle School. Steakley said people can also help out by visiting peptn.org and donating.
