Dress-A-Child program requiring signups again
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (April 23, 2024) – The local back-to-school clothing assistance program is changing.
Dress-A-Child Co-Chair Brenda Jenkins says after switching things up for a few years because of the COVID threat, they’re again requiring families to apply for the program that had been providing clothing vouchers to needy students in the food bags they take home from school.
“For several years we partnered with the backpack programs, but really to be in keeping with our guidelines and rules we need to do an application process.”
The program is limited to families residing in Tuscarawas County with household incomes at or below the federal poverty level, and the student can’t be homeschooled. Application will be available at area schools and libraries beginning May 1st and are due by July 15th.
“Then we have to go through all the applications to make sure they meet our requirements… and we usually work with Kohl’s in town. We hope to be able to provide at least a new outfit for the first day of school.”
Donations sustain the program that served over 2,800 kids last year and can be mailed to 929 Third Street Northeast in New Philadelphia.