Presented by: Pam Bandy, CC VP Jeannie Burleson, SD VP
What is Clothes Connection? Clothes Connection is a Birdville Council of PTAs program which provides shoes and clothing for BISD students in need. Families who qualify for the federal Free and Reduced Lunch program automatically qualify for assistance through Clothes Connection. In addition, school personnel can also identify and refer families who have a need. This can include families experiencing a house fire, natural disaster, etc.
Where is Clothes Connection? Clothes Connection is located in the BISD Central Stores building at 5308 E. Belknap Street, Haltom City.
When is Clothes Connection Open? Clothes Connection is open to serve families every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Workdays are scheduled from the start of school through mid April. The facility is closed during school holidays.
What do students receive? Qualifying BISD students receive: Two weeks worth of new socks and underwear (one week per semester) Two weeks worth of gently used clothes (one week per semester) One shoe voucher for the purchase of new school shoes
How can families receive assistance? Families who have qualified for the Free and Reduced Lunch program must bring their confirmation letter from the Child Nutrition Department. Additional copies are available by request. If a family is new to the district and has not received a letter from the Child Nutrition Department or has a special circumstance, they must contact their local campus nurse or counselor for a referral.
How can families receive assistance? Referrals must be made by email from local campus staff. This process verifies children who are registered at BISD campuses who are in need.
What is Supply Depot? Supply Depot is a Birdville Council of PTAs program which provides school supplies and backpacks for BISD students in need. Need is determined at the local campus level for school supply and backpack distribution. Campus personnel determine best way to distribute supplies.
School Supply Distribution Pre packaged school supplies and backpacks delivered directly to local campuses during registration.
So How can you help? What can you do?
Principals Encourage your staff to support these two programs by giving through monthly payroll deductions. Most of our funding comes from our generous BISD employees! Currently, we receive approximately $4,000 per month to fund these two programs. Payroll Deduction forms are currently at the local campuses and are due October 10, 2011. All campuses with 100% participation will be recognized at the December association meeting.
Principals Encourage your staff to incorporate these programs into community service projects.
Presidents Local PTAs can financially support these programs if your membership approves. Inform your board and membership about the programs. Advertise clothes drives, volunteer work days, and other needs.
Council Delegates Give a report about the Clothes Connection and Supply Depot programs at your next board meeting. Help your president spread the word about upcoming events.
Everyone Volunteer to work on scheduled workdays!
Everyone Clothes Connection needs gently used clothes! Support Clothes Drives Immediate need for children s sizes 4-16 Jeans and Coats Drive - October Any items which are not considered school appropriate will be donated to a non-profit organization which will distribute the items free of charge.
Everyone Anyone can give monetary gifts to Clothes Connection and Supply Depot. All donations are tax deductable.
Where do the donations go? All expenditures must be approved by our membership. Principal President 2 Council Delegates Budget amendments are presented at association meetings. Your vote is important! Employee payroll donations are split 65% for Clothes Connection and 35% for Supply Depot.
Where do the donations go? Wholesale account with Hanes to purchase new socks and underwear. Wholesale account to purchase clothes, including uniforms. Shoe Vouchers from Payless Shoe Source. Pre-packaged school supplies from EPI. Wholesale account to purchase 17 inch backpacks. Limited only by funds!
Contact: Pam Bandy Clothes Connection VP clothes_connection@bisdpta.org Jeannie Burleson Supply Depot VP supply_depot@bisdpta.org