Taos Charter School Winter Clothing Drive 2020

When considering how I could extend my learning outside of the classroom, I took some time to deeply reflect on the needs of our students and families. Through this reflection, I discovered the simple need for appropriate winter clothing, in a great deal of our elementary student population. Thus, I decided to hold a Winter Clothing Drive and Exchange. I prepared a letter (see below) to send home to families of students in Kindergarten through fifth-grade.

The purpose of this clothing drive was to ensure that students had sufficient clothing for the winter weather. I chose the context of an exchange with hopes to help families alleviate some of their unwanted clothes, and offer an opportunity to obtain some lightly-worn, alternative pieces. The clothing exchange also emphasized the benefits of recycling clothing, in good condition. These benefits stem from means of reducing mass production and over consumption. Through this exchange, families could feel confident that the clothing donated would flow directly back into their own community.

Preparation: I discussed this even with my CT, who agreed that it would be valuable to our students, families, and community. I prepared a letter to families, which was approved by Taos Charter School's principal, Mr. Jones. The letter was sent out two weeks prior to the event, via email, to all Kindergarten through fifth-grade families. A printed copy was sent home with students with an attached form allowing parents to make requests for particular items needed. For the two weeks prior to the exchange, families began to bring in bags, and bags of donated clothing that were stored in the front office. I sent out a final email reminder two days prior to the exchange.

I considered the idea that not all clothes would be taken, and I would be left with extra clothing. I contacted UNM Taos Kids' Campus, which serves families of children six-weeks to 5-years old (Pre-K). I offered to donate clothing that would fit students of those ages. The Kids' Campus was grateful to receive such a donations. Considering any remaining clothing, I reached out to Taos Nurturing Center, a school-based benefit, sponsored by Los Cumbre's Community Services agency at Enos Garcia Elementary School. The Nurturing Center is dedicated to ensuring students in our community have school-based essentials such as nutritious food and snacks, clothing, crisis intervention, and support for academics and social-emotional growth. This benefit was also gracious to receive a clothing donation.

Outcome: Leading up to the clothing exchange, I received a generous amount of clothing and thanks for organizing this event. A couple days before, I spent time sorting and reorganizing the clothing into categories that would be easy to browse through. Come the day of the event, the donated clothing was spread out over two sets of gym bleacher. The items consisted of shirts, sweaters, jackets, snow suits, pants, shoes, snow boots, gloves and beanies. I had a handful of students and families attend the exchange, and take what they needed. It was a heartwarming feeling to see the expression on students' faces when they received a "new" pair of snow boots. I was content with the outcome of the Winter Clothing Drive and Exchange, and am considering hosting this clothes drive annually.

Side Note: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I was unable to complete my donation of excess clothing to UNM Taos Kids' Camus and the Nurturing Center, as the schools immediately closed for the remainder of the year. The clothing is still in my possession, and I intend to fulfill my donation at a future, appropriate time.