East Haven Rotary Kicks Off 'Clothe the Children' Drive

The has begun fundraising efforts for its 12th annual “Clothe the Children” campaign.

Each year the club has coordinated its efforts along with the businesses, citizens and the to raise monies that get distributed the following January to children of elementary school age for the purchase of much neededclothing for the winter season.

On a Saturday in January, elementary school children and their parents/guardians will meet Rotarians at Kohl’s Department Store in Branford and are able to shop for items of clothing totaling $100 per child.

The club monitors quite closely that all items purchased are classifiedas clothing and that the sizes will correspond to the child present.

While at Kohl’s Department Store, the purchasers will not only receive the benefit of any regular sales prices but thestore has also generously extended an additional discount given to each child taking part in the “Clothe the Children” program.

In addition to Rotary funds, monies for the program are raised through direct donations receivedfrom local businesses and residents. Fund raising events are coordinated by teachers at severalof the schools in the East Haven system.

During the month of December, Wendy’s Restaurant allows display donation canisters at six of their area locations, which assists the Rotary with the raising of additional funds for this endeavor.

During the past 11 years, the East Haven Rotary's “Clothe the Children” program has provided clothing for over 550 children, which with the above mentioned discounts, totals upwards of $65,000 worth of merchandise.

Each year Rotarians receive suggested lists of names of children from the elementary school teachers in the system.

With the increasing needs of the community, monetary donations are needed more now thanever before. Anyone wishing to donate may mail checks payable to the”East Haven Rotary Clothe the Children” c/o Benjamin Mazzucco, PO Box 120604, East Haven, CT 06512.

The East Haven Rotary Club was founded in 1939. Since that time Rotarians from East Havenhave been involved in thousands of projects helping the residents of not just East Haven butaround the world.

For more information, contact the East Haven Rotary Benjamin Mazzucco at (203) 605-6367.