Dorian is a single mother of 8, ages 3 to 15-years-old, who works hard to provide a secure home for her family while she advances toward earning her college degree. Household expenses leave little room to purchase clothing for her kids who are always outgrowing them. And, while hand-me-downs and thrift stores offer some relief, it's not enough to keep them appropriately dressed. Your donation will provide them with new clothes and shoes, instilling pride and security in what they're wearing.
It is incredibly expensive to clothe growing children; especially in a region that requires seasonal options. As warmer summer months approach the Atlanta area, single mother to 8 children, Dorian, must find a way to clothe her kids. Furthermore, with two teens and one on the cusp of teen-hood, research shows that clothing makes older kids feel more confident and capable. In addition, clothing can be viewed as an essential social tool in the lives of teenagers (Piacentini, 2006).
Experts agree that attending school in ragged clothes is often embarrassing and can hinder learning. "Inadequate clothing can be one part of a sad equation that leads children to skip school and have behavioral and academic problems." Julian Palmer, a spokesman for the National Center for Children in Poverty notes that inadequate clothing affects children in painfully silent ways that diminish their quality of life and opportunities. This project helps ensure Dorian's kids avoid these pitfalls.
New clothing will help Dorian's kids focus on their studies and feel confident. "It's about the kids feeling good about themselves--that they are part of a group and that they can measure up to the next person," said Wendy Fleming, a volunteer who works in an LA school district. Fleming goes on to note, "It takes one less pressure off the kids. If they are worried about their clothing, the last thing they'll be doing is listening to a teacher." New clothing sets Dorian's kids up for success.
