Clothing drive nets 215 jackets for ‘homeless’ students

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For Our City-Maricopa’s community-wide, December clothing drive provided jackets, pants, jeans, shirts and backpacks for students in need.

Residents, businesses, churches and volunteers all came together to outfit Maricopa’s “homeless” students in the Maricopa Unified School District or at any other local school.

These students are not on the streets; they are living with others, doubling up in one home, residing in cars or with friends. These disruptive living situations legally define students as “homeless” as part of the McKinney-Vento Act.

“We are so thankful to this community for its continued generosity,” said Micki Schroeder, MUSD Homeless Education Program liaison. “Please know that these jackets will all be handed out this year. With such an abundant supply, they will go to both our homeless education children, and to any Maricopa child who may have a need for a new or gently used coat.”

Schroeder estimates the drive brought in 215 jackets, 77 pairs of jeans, 18 pairs of shoes, 33 pairs of pants or shorts, 22 backpacks and 24 uniform tops, along with mittens, hats and scarves. A large, anonymous financial donation will be used to purchase socks and undergarments.

“We have had countless individual donors,” Schroeder said.

Donations can still be dropped off at the school district office, 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. For more information, contact Schroeder at 520-568-5100.

Photo by Joyce Hollis