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Operation Santa Clothes was founded in 1994 by the Covina Sunrise Rotary Club to provide clothing and shoes for needy children at the local elementary schools.
It is truly hard to believe that in our communities there are children who have never possessed a new pair of shoes... in their entire lives! Each year many volunteers who accompany the children to Kmart are brought to tears when they see so many children beaming with pride and sporting smiles because they have for once put on new clothes that fit and are bought just for them. Clothes that you and I would take for granted. Unbelievable to most of us, yet true, nevertheless.
Operation Santa Clothes began with members of the Covina Sunrise Rotary Club taking 73 needy children from one school in Covina to Kmart to buy new clothes. The next year 282 children from nine different schools were part of the program. In 1997 the program proved to be so successful that it was expanded to include almost 2,000 children from 35 elementary schools in the communities of Covina, West Covina, Glendora, Azusa and lrwindale. In our 2001 campaign we clothed our 10,000th child and in 2002 went to over 13,000! The success of Operation Santa Clothes is due to the support of so many people in the community.
Covina Sunrise Rotary's Operation Santa Clothes works with teachers, administrators, service clubs, civic groups, churches, businesses, law enforcement and the community at large to provide a better environment for the children of Covina, West Covina, Glendora and Azusa. Unlike many other charities, 100% of all donations go directly to Operation Santa Clothes — there are no paid employees.
Due to the generosity of Kmart, each fifty-five dollars raised provides: one pair of tennis shoes, three pair of socks, and two complete clothing outfits, including pants, shirts, skirts or dresses.
Individuals and organizations who donate $55.00 or more will receive a packet of materials from Operation Santa Clothes including a photograph of the young boy or girl whom your donation clothed and a thank you letter from that child along with information about the success of this year's program. We want you to know that the volunteers working on Operation Santa Clothes are grateful for every donation received regardless of the amount.
OPERATION SANTA CLOTHES provides more than just clothes...our mission is to provide for the welfare of disadvantaged children, including self-esteem, necessities of life, character development, social skill development, family assistance, mentoring, recreation and health care. If you have any questions regarding this program or would like to make a donation please call (626) 966-7521 and ask to speak with Pam or Jon Pomeroy.
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