Donating School Uniforms

Friday 16th of February 2007 11:52:32 PM

Donating School Uniforms

For many, paying for school uniforms is an expense they cannot afford. But some schools and uniform companies in Pennsylvania, USA have started a uniform donation program that will accept used school uniforms that can be resold at a much lower price or donated for free.

The Starr Uniform Company is one of the companies that participate in this program. The company manufactures all types of uniforms including Polo Shirts, Sweatshirts, blouses, long and short sleeved shirts, and pants. These items cost more money than some parents have. When parents drop off their used uniform, they will receive a discount toward new uniforms.

Howard Ufberg, who owns the company with Sam Starr said of the uniform costs, “Parents usually purchase three or four uniforms per child for each school year. Parents spend about $100 per year on uniforms.” Ufberg went on to say about the donation program, “It obviously works because that’s how we generate so much clothing that we can give it to the people. The goal is to give these kids self-esteem and eliminate the competition of clothing.”

Since uniforms are required by all the schools in the district, parents have little choice. But now they have hope.

Those who donate clothing also appreciate the efforts that people from United Neighborhood Centers and Starr Uniform Company have done to cut costs and reduce waste. “It saves money over the years. Twice this year he’s grown out of them,” said the mother of one of the students, Patty Zantowski.

For many parents, paying for school supplies and books is hard enough. Uniforms were meant to save parents from having to buy expensive clothing for their children to wear. Unfortunately, for many parents, uniforms are just as costly. Donation programs like these help ease the burden that parents face.

(c)Debbie Schiel, www.sxc.hu