NEWS RELEASE April 18, 2022
CONTACTS: Valerie Lunka (720-379-4630)
Debbie Jones (303-868-1804)
DENVER – Among the many organizations providing assistance to families impacted by the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires last December, Clothes To Kids of Denver may be one of the best kept secrets. Now the nonprofit is taking steps to increase awareness of its services among those who need it most and to make those services even more accessible to the fire’s survivors.
Since its founding in 2008, Clothes To Kids has provided more than 82,000 school wardrobes to students from low-income or in-crisis families, free of charge. While the nonprofit originally served only Denver County residents, it has since expanded to cover 28 school districts throughout the entire 11-county Denver metro area, including Boulder County. Students must be ages 3 – 21 and enrolled in preschool – 12th grade, or working toward a GED.
“All students whose families suffered losses in the Boulder County fires are eligible to receive free school wardrobes from Clothes To Kids,” says the organization’s executive director Valerie Lunka, “and no referral or proof of eligibility is currently required. We hope that schools, faith communities and all those providing assistance to fire victims will help spread the word about the valuable resource we offer kids in their communities.”
Central to the Clothes To Kids mission is its clothing boutique, located in Denver’s University Hills neighborhood at 2890 South Colorado Boulevard. Here, families find a pleasant and dignified shopping experience, complete with assistance from volunteer “personal shoppers” who help the students select from new and quality used clothing. Each student may choose five outfits, a coat or jacket, a pair of shoes, a bra (optional) and five pairs each of new underwear and socks. Extra items, such as pajamas, belts, hats, jewelry, winter accessories, school supplies, books and toys, may also be available. Students may receive one free wardrobe every four months.
“A lack of appropriate and fashionable clothing can make it difficult for kids to fit in with their peers and feel comfortable at school,” Lunka explains. “We make sure the students we serve have the clothing they need to feel confident and prepared to thrive.”
While most families are asked to call the Clothes To Kids boutique in advance to make shopping appointments, the nonprofit is providing drop-in service for families impacted by the fires in Boulder County. These families may shop for student wardrobes without appointments on Tuesdays through Saturdays, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, through the end of May. For additional information, visit https://clothestokidsdenver.org/ or call 720-379-4630.
