PLAINFIELD, IL — In anticipation of the new school year beginning August 15, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 hosted its first free shopping drive, giving away clothing and school supplies to families in need.
On August 3, washed, sorted and organized clothing items from unclaimed lost and found items from the district schools as well as donations from the community were collected at Ira Jones Middle School. Christina Edwards, the district’s director of health services and organizer of the event, said the clothing has become valuable resources for needy, newly arrived and homeless families.
“Knowing the challenges that come with starting a new school year, this initiative is designed to ease that burden by providing essentials and ensuring every child can start the new school year with confidence,” Edwards said in a statement.
Edwards received help from students in the Post Secondary Transition and Education Program (P-STEP) from Heidi Beiler’s Extended School Year program, which teaches 18- to 21-year-old students life skills so they can be independent after graduating high school.
Students worked on the project all summer, washing, folding and sorting clothes and organizing donated school supplies, district officials said.
The project helped P-STEP students improve their soft skills, including problem solving, teamwork and work ethic.
National Honor Society students from Plainfield North and Central high schools helped by hanging signs and setting up display racks to showcase the items in a way that made shopping easier.
In the future, District 202 plans to establish a family pantry where families in need can purchase clothing and school supplies year-round, officials said.
“Giving families the opportunity to purchase clothing and school supplies not only meets their immediate needs, but also sends a strong message of support and encouragement,” Edwards said.
The next free shopping event is planned for December.
