Clothes for Kids Program overwhelmed with donations

FREE CLOTHES: Amy Jones, one of the founders of Clothes for Kids, talks with Mackenzie Trainer, left, and Kebin Chrusoskie Wednesday night. The children, whose parents are Clothes for Kids volunteers, are showing Jones some of items being arranged for giveaways this weekend. - The Observer/DICK MASON

What visitors will find is everything children need to keep in step with back-to-school fashion — for free.

Introducing the new Clothes for Kids program, one helping buffer the impact of the recession for local families.

The program is operated in an east side room on the third floor of the Riveria Activity Center. The room is filled with clothes for boys and girls that are available during distribution sessions — giveaways at which parents will find new or virtually new jeans, blouses, T-shirts, sweatshirts, skirts, shoes, boots and more.

They are items free to everyone, regardless of where they live or their income level.

“(The clothing) is available to anyone who needs it. There is no red tape and you don’t have to show ID,’’ said Amy Jones of La Grande.

Jones and Teri Trainer of La Grande started the program this summer in response to the closure of Boise Cascade’s La Grande sawmill on June 24, which put about 120 people out of work.

“We heard that many of the people who lost their jobs were having a hard time getting clothes for their kids,’’ Jones said.

Jones and Trainer knew that a low-cost way to help was available because they go to many yard sales. Frequently they hear people say that they have more clothing than they know what to do with.

The women thus put out a call for clothing donations and the response has been overwhelming. Thousands of items have been donated by people and businesses including Payless Shoes,  Bugs and Butterflies, The Clothes Closet and Gurrbear Thrift Store.

MODEL BEHAVIOR: Skylie Ullman, the daughter of a Clothes for Kids volunteer, holds up one of the many children’s shirts available through the program.

“This is Eastern Oregon. People step up to help each other,’’ she said.

Trainer wants people to realize that their clothing donations will help children feel better about themselves in school.

“It is stupid not to recycle when you can give kids confidence,’’ Trainer said.

Clothing was first distributed last weekend and will next be given away Friday from 3 to

6 p.m. Giveaways will continue on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., Sept. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. and on Sept. 12, noon to 5 p.m. Additional giveaways may take place depending upon clothing donations.

Children accompany many parents to the clothing giveaways. They come with a sense of awe, not entitlement. Trainer recalled that last weekend one boy came up to her and said, “I think I found the shoes I need, can I have them?’’

Trainer replied — “They are yours, buddy.’’

Adult clothing is also provided by Clothes for Kids, including suits and blouses.

“You could wear them at job interviews,’’ Jones said.

The program’s volunteers are spending long hours in the often-sweltering room at Riveria sorting the wide array of items donated. It is an almost overwhelming task in a sometimes hectic environment, one Trainer and Jones thrive on.

“We like chaos. We don’t know how to function without chaos,’’ Trainer said with a smile.

Almost all items being donated are in excellent shape and clean. The few that are not are being cut up and sent to a group that will use it to make lap quilts for

seniors.

Though deluged with contributions, Clothes for Kids is short of some items, particularly shirts and pants for young children. Donations can be made by calling Trainer at 541-805-4303 or Jones at 503-724-0570.

Jones said some people are leaving bags of clothing anonymously outside the door of Clothes for Kids.

“There are a lot of mysterious angels in this community.’’