Program to supply back-to-school items for needy families

The St. Vincent De Paul Society of Casa Grande is holding its annual back-to-school clothing program July 24-25.

The program, aimed at providing clothing to families in need, helped 490 needy families last year by providing them with a $50 gift card per child good for the purchase of a pair of shoes, underwear, socks, t-shirt and pants.

However, due to a lack of people shopping at the society’s thrift store and a drop in this year’s donations to the society, it expects to be able to provide 400 children with $40 gift cards.

“It is a shame,” said Julie McCracken, a part-time employee for the society.

Families interested in applying for assistance must show up between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday, July 24, or Friday, July 25 for an interview.

The interviews will be done on a walk-in basis at the St. Anthony School, 501 E. Second Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85222.

A family must earn less than the national poverty standard to qualify for assistance. Income of $867 a month is allowable for a family of one, and for each member that family grows the threshold increases by $300.

The applicant must be a resident of either Maricopa, Casa Grande, Stanfield or Arizona City and have a child in one of those communities’ elementary schools.

Documents applicants must bring to the interview are proof of residence, proof of enrollment in a local school and proof of income.

“There may be a line, so I encourage parents to bring water and leave their children with a babysitter if possible,” McCraken said.

The society is also soliciting program sponsors. For information call (520) 836-2009.

Photo by RuthAnn Hogue