For Bay County’s most unfortunate boys and girls “back-to-school” is a very difficult time of the year.The Mission’s Klothes for Kids program is designed to help that, but is finding donations are coming in much slower this year than ever in years past.

“The campaign had a much later start this year, and we are just two weeks away from the first distribution date of August 3.  Right now, we do not have nearly enough clothes to cover the need, ” said Rev. Billy Fox, Mission Executive Director.

The Mission says it would love to be able to help more children this year; with a weakened economy and high unemployment rate, parents are in desperate need of their assistance.

“But unless this community rallies to a major degree and starts dropping off donations, many needy families will not have the items they need for back to school,” said Fox. “We’re also low on volunteer sign-up at this point.”

When children should be eager to learn and excited about what the new year will bring, hundreds of kids in the Bay District Schools simply cannot afford the school uniforms and supplies required to learn.  So that’s why the Rescue Mission offers the annual Klothes for Kids program. It is designed to provide free uniforms, shoes, and supplies to area needy and homeless children, in partnership with Living Word Fellowship’s ”Got Your Back” program.

Last year nearly 1,800 kids were helped, and the project provided over 26,000 items of clothes.

How to Help, click here