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PTA, assistant principal steer clothing drive for community
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Donated cloths have been categorized into boxes at Austintown Middle School. Austintown Council of PTA's organized the clothing drive, Tuesday April 28, 2009
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Austintown Council of PTA members Tracy Martin, Becky Feicht have been collecting donations for the clothing drive the Austintown Middle School, Tuesday April 28, 2009
By Elise Franco
The township school district hopes a clothing drive will help some who are feeling the pinch.
The poor economy has pushed parents, staff and students to give — even if they are among those in need.
For the second year, members of the Parent Teacher Association and Kevin Snyder, assistant principal at Austintown Middle School, have organized a clothing drive. It will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the middle school cafetorium.
Snyder said it’s just one way the district is trying to help those who may be feeling the effects of unemployment.
“We were just discussing how much stuff we throw away and get rid of when we could be giving it to people in our own community,” he said. “With the economy being as rough as it is, it’s like a blessing in disguise.”
Snyder said the free, communitywide drive has no restrictions on how many items of clothing each person can take and is open to the public.
“No one has to feel alienated,” he said. “Just come and take what you need.”
Austintown Council of PTAs President Kelly Phillips said although the drive has been widely advertised within the community, no one will be turned away.
“Everybody is trying the best they can, so the thing I respect the most is it’s free,” she said. “If you come in and take 15 bags, take 15. If you only need one or two things, that’s fine.”
Phillips said volunteers began collecting clothing last week and will continue through Thursday. She said clothes can be dropped off in the middle school cafetorium.
“We’re looking for clothes for all genders, sizes and seasons,” she said.
Phillips said that each day, at least 10 volunteers sort clothes to get ready for Saturday. The clothes are sorted by gender, and if possible, contributors are asked to pre-sort their clothes before dropping them off.
Becky Feicht, a PTA member and volunteer, said she definitely sees the need for this type of event in Austintown.
“It’s just a great thing, especially with the economic conditions,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for people to come in and get some free clothes.”
Feicht said she was surprised by the generosity of so many people.
“I think it’s kind of overwhelming, but in a good way,” she said. “People really want to reach out and help.”
efranco@vindy.com