Clothes To Kids RI is an exciting new nonprofit, started to help ease the financial burden on low-income families, and build self-esteem in children.
Our mission is to provide new and quality used clothing to low-income or in-crisis, school-age children in Providence County, Rhode Island—free of charge. We envision a community in which every school-age child has quality clothing so that he or she may attend school with the confidence and self-esteem needed to achieve academic success.
Our Values
- COMPASSION To provide a cheerful, friendly atmosphere where those we serve feel comfortable and welcome.
- RESPECT To be respectful and considerate of those we serve and not question or judge the circumstances that bring them to us.
- SELF-ESTEEM To build children’s self-esteem by providing them with clothing that makes them feel good about themselves.
- SERVICE To work hard and give our best to help those we serve.
History
Clothes To Kids was founded in 2002 by Jode Eye and Marie McClung in Pinellas County, Florida. Through their volunteer work with students, they recognized that children without adequate clothing often felt embarrassed and unprepared in school. Research shows that many children that come to school without adequate clothing and shoes experience low self-esteem, poor social skills and lack of concentration in school.
When Marianne Baldwin heard of the Clothes To Kids stores in Denver and Florida she was inspired by their mission and intrigued by the creativity used to implement their vision. Discussing these amazing organizations with her friend Eva Marie Mancuso, who at the time was chairwoman of the Rhode Island Board of Education, the two were motivated to bring this charity to the children of Rhode Island. Together with a few dedicated volunteers this dream has become a reality.
Clothes To Kids of RI was incorporated in Winter 2016.
Clothes To Kids of RI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Rhode Island in the United States of America