Charity Newsies Accepting Applications for School Clothing Program

Most kids love picking out new back-to-school clothing and shoes every summer. Can you imagine being a school-aged child and having to start school with worn out, ill-fitting clothing? The lack of proper clothing is a main reason why children miss school. New clothes help improve self-esteem, and self-esteem helps children do better at school. Charity Newsies has worked to empower children since 1907, by helping clothe more than 500,000 children in Columbus and Franklin County.

Charity Newsies Changes for 2020

Charity Newsies is gearing up for the school year by filling its warehouse with new pants, shirts, coats and school uniform essentials. In 2020, all applications to receive school clothing will be taken online, beginning August 3. Additionally, children won’t be able to try on clothing this year. Clothing will be distributed curbside to your car (so it’s important to have correct measurements/sizes, slightly too big is always better than too small!).

“Since most of the schools in central Ohio begin classes in August, we recognized that in order for more students to receive their new school clothes/uniforms and shoes before the first day of classes, we needed to take applications early in the summer,” said Tony Perez, Charity Newsies’ Board Chair.

Charity Newsies School Clothing Program

Charity Newsies outfits students enrolled in public, parochial, charter and vocational schools throughout Franklin County. Any child in need should apply for clothing assistance.

Applications are ONLINE ONLY for 2020, beginning August 3.

Eligibility for Charity Newsies Free School Clothing Program

Children and Guardian must reside in Franklin County, Ohio.
Children must be enrolled and attending school, grades K – 12 (public, private, catholic or charter)
Children in kindergarten or any child 16 and older must obtain a current letter from their school verifying enrollment and attendance. The verification letter must be presented at the time of the clothing appointment. Children who are 16 and older must present a picture ID.

Application process for free school clothing

You must gather this information BEFORE you start the application process

Last 4 digits of Social Security Number of parent or legal guardian
Last 4 digits of Social Security Number of each child to be clothed
Know the name of the school your child(ren) will be attending
Have the sizes that the children wear. This is the biggest change for 2020 and is the most important. There are no returns or exchanges, and they will not be able to try on at (curbside) pickup. Make sure you provide sizes for tops, bottoms, undergarments, socks, and shoes. Gather waist measurements and inseams for children who wear men’s size pants (tip: measure where the waistband sits for waist size, and measure from the groin/inner thigh to the inside of foot, or designed length, for inseam. If your child is in between sizes, or has been in the same size for a long time and expected to grow, you may want to size up (pants and cuffs can be rolled).

Pick up details

Clothing pickup with be curbside only in 2020. You will not be able to pick out clothing or try on. After you submit your online application, you’ll get an email with an appointment date and time within 3 business days. Children do NOT need to come for the scheduled pick up time. You will remain in your car. Vouchers will still be provided for uniforms.

More details will be available closer to the registration date.

One hundred percent of financial donations help purchase new clothing. Learn more about events that benefit this program and how to get involved at www.charitynewsies.org or call (614) 263-4300.

photos via Charity Newsies
4300 Indianola Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Tuesday, August 11, 2020