By Kelly Youngblood
A stay-at-home mom and former active duty Marine is doing her part to help keep kids safe and warm.
Carolyn Morris of Champaign has started His Kid’s Closet- a local, not-for-profit organization that collects children’s clothing and then, with the help of school staff, gives out the donated items to students in need.
Morris is currently partnering with Kenwood and Bottenfield Elementary and hopes to work with many more schools in the area.
“I’m just hoping to see it serve tons of students,” said Morris.
Morris plans to fill up the huge storage room above her garage with donated items and then fill each order from school staff members after they have identified what is needed.
Drop boxes are currently located in the office of Kenwood and Bottenfield Elementary where anyone can stop by between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Grace Community Church, 2901 Watterson Ct., Champaign, is also currently hosting a drop box for His Kid’s Closet and Morris says she hopes to get many more churches and community aid organizations involved.
Acceptable items for donations include clean and gently used children’s and baby clothing, shoes, coats, hats, gloves, etc.
Morris said parents are also encouraged to notify the school if they have a need. Students will receive the items very discreetly, she said.
“It really takes a village to raise a child, and the school is certainly part of that village. We just hope to be that part of their village that steps in and covers the gaps in the kid’s current needs,” Morris added.
Morris, a stay-at-home mom of three boys and a reservist, says her husband and parents have been very supportive in helping her turn her dream into a reality. She is also extremely grateful for the school’s willingness to work with her.
For more information about His Kid’s Closet and how you can help, call Carolyn Morris at 267-221-7693, email hiskidscloset@gmail.com, or go to http://www.hiskidscloset.org.