EMF Clothing Drive Brings Community Together to Support Students in Need

 

The EMF school district is continuing to show its strong sense of community through an effort to help
students in need. On Sunday, November 2, the district hosted a Clothing Swap and Drive at the Friend library, led by school nurse Korin Arp, who saw a growing need for clothing and shoes among students.

“I was inspired to do the clothing drive after seeing that some students didn’t have what they needed,” Arp explained. “Whether it’s shoes that fit, warm coats for the winter, or everyday clothes, I wanted to find a way to help meet that need.”

The event encouraged community members to come together and donate gently used clothing items for children of all ages. Arp said she was thrilled with the level of participation and generosity shown by families, staff, and community members. 

“The participation from everyone has been awesome,” she said. “Everyone coming together to donate to kids in need is wonderful. It’s been heartwarming to see how much people care.”

Tables at the Friend site library were filled with shirts, pants, coats, and shoes. Families were welcome to browse through the donations and pick what they needed at no cost. The event aimed to make clothing accessible to all, ensuring that every student in the EMF community can stay comfortable and confident throughout the school year. 

After the event, any leftover items will be donated to the “Bobcat Boutique,” a resource available to students in the school district. The boutique provides clothing and other essentials to students in need throughout the year, including new students who may arrive with limited supplies.

“I think the clothing drive benefits our school community by providing a way that students can come with no questions asked and get clothing items or a coat if they are in need,” Arp said. “Hopefully no student has to go without a coat or warm clothes this winter.”

Arp emphasized that the drive would not have been possible without the generosity of the EMF community. “I’ve had so many people reach out wanting to help,” she said. “It really shows what kind of community we have - one that looks out for each other.”

As the temperatures begin to drop, Arp hopes the clothing drive and the continued support through the Bobcat Boutique will ensure that every student has what they need to feel comfortable and cared for this winter. “Hopefully all the clothing and coats find homes,” she said, “and we can give them to the children who can use them.”