ANDERSON TWP, Ohio – In 2016, around 2,515 children were in the custody of the Hamilton County Job and Family Children's Service division, according to their annual report. When those children are placed with families, some may not have more than the clothes on their backs.
One local church seeks to change that.
Jack's Closet is a ministry of Clough Methodist Church that provides free clothing to children who are in foster or kinship care.
Families can choose between four and seven outfits either each season or when sizes change in a boutique style shop.
"We wanted to have it as a store-type atmosphere and not a storage room full of tubs of clothes," co-director Sue Jacob said.
The ministry, which started in 2015, also offers items such as toys, books and children's furniture.
Karen Gibbs, the other co-director, is excited about the amount of support they have received from the community.
"We are blessed with wonderful donors who bring us beautiful children's clothing," Gibb said. "Many times, the clothing that we have will still have tags on it that's never even been worn,"
As the inventory has increased, the church has had to build a new space to fit the donations.
Their goal is to make it a labor of love for all that are involved.
"It's great for the foster families, and it's also an opportunity for families to really feel like they are helping other families," Jacob said.
Parents of foster children can stop by Jack's Closet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Those who wish to donate or for more information can visit here.
