Sweat has partnered with Clothes for Keeps, a nonprofit organization, started by Stacie Hawkins and her family. The idea behind the project came from being foster parents. Stacie and her husband Chris have been foster parents to children in the custody of Child Protective Services for the last 4 years. During this time they have offered their home to 5 different boys. All of the kids were unique as they came from different situations and backgrounds. The one consistent thing among the boys was that they came with only the clothes on their back … no personal items, school supplies, PJs or other clothes. Stacie and Chris had friends and family who provided odds and ends over the course of the last 4 years to clothe the children they fostered. The children receive a nominal clothing allowance each month, but it doesn’t even cover the cost of a pair of shoes.
During a recent break from fostering, Stacie still had the desire to support the kids but in a different capacity. She decided to start a collection of new and gently used clothes for foster kids in Arizona. Currently, there are over 10,000 children in out-of-home care in Arizona. Today, Stacie has two rooms full and a garage full of clothing and personal items that have been donated or purchased by friends and family. All the items collected are considered fashionable and up to date with the latest kids’ styles. All the clothes are washed and ironed. Clothes for Keeps allows the kids to choose what outfits they want, in addition to accessories. These clothes are considered “for keeps.” The kids don’t ever have to give the clothes back as they transition to different living arrangements or back home. For some kids, this is their first time ever shopping and may be the only chance they have to make their own decisions while they remain in the custody of Child Protective Services and foster care.
Sweat is a proud supporter of this great cause and keeps a donation box on location. If you have some gently used children’s clothes, shoes and accessories you would like to donate, just bring them by our gym and we will make sure a wonderful child gets them! If you have any questions or would like to help further, contact Stacie at Clothes for Keeps at clothesforkeeps@gmail.com.
