By Brian McBride
Associate Editor

While Education Foundation-Osceola County is not exactly asking for the shirt off anybody's back, it is seeking help to assist local homeless or needy students whose families can't afford clothing.

The foundation, along with Osceola County School Board member Cindy Hartig, have recently established a new program within the organization called the Kids Closet. It's designed to assist destitute Osceola County School District students obtain new clothing.

But they can't do it alone, Hartig said, who called on the community to help with donations.

“This touches everybody's life because everyone knows a child,” she said.

New clothing or financial contributions to assist in purchasing the necessities for area school children are currently being accepted. Most needed right now are uniform shirts, preferably white or navy colored, and belts.

“A lot of teachers will notice that a student will only have one or two shirts,” Jennifer Calandra, school social worker, said.

Some children come in wearing dirty clothes. Some have even come to class with a letter of apology from the parent stating that she just can't afford to purchase the required uniform clothing, Calandra said.

And with Friday being spirit day in the schools, where students can wear regular shirts such as those bearing sport team logos as long as they're the appropriate color, those who can't participate have been known to purposely miss school because it's embarrassing, Hartig said.

“People have no idea how bad it (the problem) is,” she added.

Currently, there are about 1,000 students who are part of a homeless family, living in cars or in motels, and 74 percent qualify for free and reduced lunch, foundation officials said.

“More than half of our district is in financial need,” foundation Executive Director Kathy Carr said.

Teachers are being asked to look out for students who may appear to be in need and contact the guidance counselor's office. If the child's case warrants help, an Osceola County Social Services worker will be called to meet with the child's family. Social Service has to make the referral to the Kids Closet.

That's because it just doesn't have the staff to open it to the public, plus, it prevents duplication of other services, Hartig said. There is no charge for families in need of the service.

It also qualifies as a tax write-off for those who donate, Hartig said.

In the future, the Kids Closet hopes to offer shoes, books, toiletries and vouchers for eyeglasses.

The foundation will come and collect donations or they can be dropped off at the foundation office, 2310 New Beginnings Road, Kissimmee.

All financial donations go right into the program, as no staff is paid to run the service, Hartig said.

“If everybody gave one dollar, we would be in phenomenal shape,” she added.

For more information, call the foundation at 407-870-4087.