Harper* wore older clothes and shoes to school every day, even after a growth spurt meant they no longer fit comfortably. Her family experienced difficult life circumstances that left them financially vulnerable, so she was connected to Dressed for School. The organization supports elementary and middle school students from low-income families or families in crisis in our community by providing new clothing at no cost in a supportive store-like environment.
“Studies tell us that when children are comfortable in the clothes they wear, they participate in classroom discussion more,” Dressed for School co-founder Lisa Hauser said. “One reason older youth skip school is because they don’t have proper shoes or clothing.
Harper is one of 800 Porter County students who visit Dressed for School twice a year with their classmates or families to select new gym shoes, shirts, pants, socks, and underwear. The Porter County Community Foundation provided 350 pairs of quality shoes to Porter County students like Harper through a generous Community Fund grant.
“Harper had a great time picking out clothes and talked about it all evening after we got home,” her mother shared. “She tried on all of her outfits again and couldn’t decide what to wear the next day – picture day! The next morning, every item she put on was something she picked out for herself. I’ve honestly never seen her leave our house with such confidence and with a smile like that on her face.”
Your philanthropic support of the Porter County Community Fund serves to respond to worthy nonprofits in our community each year. Thank you for being a part of this impactful work to bring comfort and smiles to local children.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
