PANAMA CITY — Panama City Rescue Mission soon will start collecting clothes for its back-to-school ministry Klothes for Kids.
Organizations and individuals should drop off clothing at the Bargain Center at 401 E. Sixth St., or the mission at 609 Allen Ave. starting May 1.
“Imagine how hard it must be for families who struggle financially to decide between paying for utilities or putting clothes on their children,” wrote Amanda Bawn, minister of development, in an email.
The school district will host a clothing drive May 1 to 28 and a communitywide drive starts May 19 and ends Aug. 13.
The mission will accept new or gently used kids clothes and shoes, any size pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, that are uniform appropriate. Most needed include: polo-style shirts, khakis, jeans, socks, belts, underwear, shoes, after school clothes, backpacks and school supplies.
“Not only do we provide clothes,” she wrote, “but we, with the help of hundreds of volunteers over the two-day distribution process, take the time to minister to the hearts and souls families we serve.”
The Rescue Mission suggested ways to help:
Hold a drive at your church, school or office
Conduct a drive for new and gently used kid’s clothes and shoes, any size pre-k through 12th grade, that are uniform appropriate. In need are polo-style shirts, jeans, khakis, socks, belts, underwear, shoes, after school, clothes, backpacks and school supplies.
Hold a blue jean Friday, where employees can wear blue jeans if they bring a pair of kids or teen jeans to donate.
Have an “Undie” Monday, where all your employees bring a pack of underwear to donate.
WANT TO HELP?
What: Klothes for Kids, back-to-school clothing drive contest
When: For schools, drive will run from May 1 to May 28. A drive will be held May 19 to Aug. 13 for a community-wide clothing drive. Distribution is Aug. 15-16.
Where: The Bargain Center at 401 E. Sixth St., or the Rescue Mission at 609 Allen Ave.
Why: To provide free uniforms, shoes, and supplies to area needy and homeless children.
Details: To sign up to volunteer, call 481-1093.
http://klothesforkids.pcrmission.org/