Generous clothing donations from local businesses and organizations are supporting Somerville families this winter | Popgen Tech

Recent donations from PUMA North America, Cradles to Crayons, Boynton Yards help stock SFLC’s clothing closet to support Somerville students.

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative Closet recently received a number of donations from local businesses and organizations, allowing SFLC and Somerville Public Schools to distribute quality clothing, shoes and other items to Somerville students struggling with basic needs. In Fall 2022, the Clothing Closet received major donations from PUMA North America, headquartered on Assembly Row, from longtime SPS partner Cradles 2 Crayons, and from Boynton Yards.

The Clothing Closet currently stocks winter gear, clothing, sneakers and boots. PUMA Footwear and Sportswear brings quality footwear and apparel to more students. Since 2014, the SFLC Clothing Closet has been staffed by an extraordinary team of community volunteers and operates year-round on a referral basis for students and families through Somerville School Liaisons. The Closet exists to provide students with basic needs and support with warm and practical clothing to help them thrive at school.

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors who have once again stepped in to help us provide support for students in need this winter,” said SFLC Director Nomi Davidson. “Cradles 2 Crayons continues to be a great partner in supplying our wardrobe with all-weather clothing. This year, we are also grateful to the staff and management at PUMA’s North American headquarters in Assembly Row for their generosity.”

“The power of social media worked for us, thanks in large part to Somerville residents Kat Rutkin and Rachel Turk, who responded to our inquiry by connecting us to Nia Vital of PUMA,” Davidson continued. “A fantastic team of SFLC staff and volunteers, Somerville Public Schools administrators and the Somerville Public Works Department came together to facilitate the donation. Thank you for your tireless work and support of our students and families.”

If you, a student, or a family you know needs resources or information about accessing clothing, food, housing, transportation, or other basic needs, please contact SFLC’s Basic Needs and Housing Support Division at 617-625- 6600 x6994, or SFLC’s main line at 617-625-6600 x6966.