PHOENIX — The "Threadz" program gives out free clothes, school supplies and personal care products to students in need. As a part of the non-profit Tempe Community Council, the program has been in the Valley since 2009. It gave away more than 16,000 items last year.
“If you have the right backpack or clothing or hygiene items so you’re comfortable I think that’s really important for our students these days to feel like they’re just like everybody else," Kathy Stevens said.
She's been a volunteer since 2009 and hopes more will join her at the program. While the program aims to help as many local students as possible, the program is having to cut back on its hours.
There are sites at Tempe, Mountain Pointe, and Marcos De Niza High School, usually open two days a week. However, the location at Mountain Pointe has only been open one day a week this school year because they’re down volunteers.
Last year, Threadz served more than 1,200 students, seeing about 30 students a day. Most sites are open Tuesdays and Thursdays right after school. However, each site needs a minimum of two volunteers to be open and they don’t have enough right now.
“Our kids have gotten used to when we’re open. So, they’re going to come assuming we’re open. It’s really heartbreaking when we can’t," Ann Lynn DiDomenico the Chief Product Officer of Tempe Community Council.
To volunteer you have to be at least 18 years old and have a fingerprint clearance card.
Today kicks off the Threadz Fall Donation Drive. Clothes can be dropped off at the front offices of the three sites during school hours and it ends Nov. 1. They’re looking for hoodies and sleep pants for the cooler temperatures.
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