Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County (CRR) has initiated Fill the Closet, a month-long community clothing drive benefiting the Heart to Home Resource Closet.

Running July 15-Aug. 15, the campaign aims to collect new and gently used clothing to help local children and teens start the school year with confidence.

As families prepare for a new school year, the demand for children’s clothing continues to grow while supplies at the Heart to Home Resource Closet remain low, organizers said.

This year’s greatest need is pants and boys’ clothing, though donations of all clean, gently used clothing for children ages 4-18 are welcome.

The campaign has set a goal of filling 300 bags of clothing that will be distributed to local families in need throughout Santa Barbara County.

“Every child deserves to begin the school year feeling confident and prepared,” said Marisa Cuevas, family service specialist at CRR. “A simple donation of clothing can make a meaningful difference for a local child and help relieve financial stress for families during one of the most expensive times of the year.”

Requested donations include:
• Pants and bottoms (highest priority)
• Boys’ clothing
• Shirts and hoodies
• Shoes in good condition
• Fall jackets and seasonal layers

All donated items should be new or gently used, freshly laundered, and free from stains, tears, or excessive wear.

“We see every day what it means when a family leaves the Heart to Home Resource Closet with what their children need,” said Angelica Barron, CRR family service specialist. “When our shelves are full, we can say yes to more families.

“Every bag donated this summer goes to a local child getting ready for the first day of school.”

Donations can be dropped off 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at:

• Children’s Resource & Referral, 2861 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria
• CRR Discovery Museum, 705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria

Direct questions to 805-925-7071.

Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening children, families, and early care and education throughout Santa Barbara County through family support services, child care resources, and community programs.

CRR believes, “All children deserve access to high quality child care, in nurturing and respectful environments. CRR is leading the way through education, advocacy and resources.”