School to be cool for 10K Valley youngsters
by Jim Crawford 

PHOENIX – There’s probably no worse feeling for a youngster than starting the first day of school without new clothes.

Back in 1967, a flood in the Salt River washed out many of the migrant worker camps located in the river bed. A group of women supported by The Order of True Sisters and other central Phoenix agencies banded together and raised money to supply back‑to‑school clothing to the children of the migrant families.

An institution was born.

The Back‑To‑School Clothing Drive celebrated its 40th anniversary recently at the Phoenix Preparatory Academy.

“We’ve expanded our reach and are serving about 10,000 children this year,” said Jackson Ponder, president of the drive. “During the distribution event each child received two shirts

and shorts; a belt and a sweatshirt; three pairs of underwear and socks; new shoes and handmade items; and a backpack stuffed with school supplies and hygiene items.”

Children in schools all over the Valley benefit from the drive, said Ponder.

“The focus of the charity is children in Title I schools in Maricopa County. Specifically, they target families who need their support the most. The charity chooses the schools, but the schools’ guidance counselors and social workers choose the children.”

Needy children come in all colors.

“The need is great no matter the ethnicity,” Ponder said. “Cost of living is high, expensive housing and high rent. Many of these families are making decisions about which bills to pay and how much school clothing and supplies they can afford.

“When these kids show up at school on the first day, they have brand new clothing, so they look just like their classmates,” Ponder said. “They also have a new backpack and all their supplies, so they have all the right tools. And, just maybe–they have a little boost of self‑esteem to go along with everything else.”

Bonnie Smith, an account manager at First American Title Insurance Company in Anthem, has been a volunteer for two years and a member of the board of directors for one year.

“I got invited to the silent auction they have to raise funds for the drive,” Smith said. “I just fell in love with the whole concept. When you see a need and then someone helping fill that need, it just touches your heart. I thought ‘This is what I want to do to give back.’ It touches the little ones too. It has a monumental impact.

“The kids are totally taken care of for the first day pf school,” Smith said. “All kids love backpacks and the ones they receive are full of hygiene articles and school supplies. To see their little faces when they walk out of there can be very emotional. Sometimes you can hardly keep from crying. It’s wonderful.”

Typically kids in kindergarten thorough sixth grade are eligible to receive the supplies.

“When they first arrive, they are a little hesitant, shy, and some of them a bit scared,” Ponder said. “By the time they are escorted back to the bus and carrying shirts, shorts, belts, shoes, a sweatshirt, handmade items and a backpack filled with hygiene items and school supplies–they are elated.”

It takes a lot of help to be able to undertake a project of this size.

“The charity has a volunteer corps totaling more than 2,500 volunteers,” Ponder said. “To pull off this event each year, it takes almost 1,500 volunteers. I personally get a tremendous amount of satisfaction knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of so many children. The organization is very family oriented and truly understands how to serve children.”

There are a lot more than 10,000 needy kids in the Valley, Smith said.

“We’d really like to reach more,” she said. “Every dollar we raise goes toward helping the kids. Once potential sponsors see the need and what the organization is doing, they’re very receptive to helping. When they see the looks on the little ones’ faces, it’s hard to resist.”

To become involved or to find out more about the program visit backtoschoolclothingdrive.com or call (632) 842‑1727.