2008 Distribution Sets Records
More than 5,300 kids receive new clothes, school supplies

(July 29, 2008) - In what can only be described as “amazing”, the Back to School Clothing Drive delivered on its promise by serving more than 5,000 kids at its annual Distribution event held July 21-25 at Phoenix Preparatory Academy.

All told, 5,341 kids paraded through the department store set up in the Academy’s gymnasium to collect their free clothes, school supplies, backpacks and sneakers. Helping as personal shoppers and department workers were over 2,000 volunteers from Valley corporations and civic organizations.

Distribution by the numbers:
Total kids served: 5,341 (M-1,154; T-1,018; W-1,070; Th-1,121; F-978).
Growth over 2007: 1,411 or 31% (5,341 vs. 4,089); 38% over 2006
Total participation rate: 97% (5,341 of 5,500 registered)
Total number of Schools: 129
Total School Districts: 29

Self esteem and self confidence packed in clothes and supplies
Along with all the clothes, school supplies, sneakers and other items, every kid participating in the program left with more than material goods. Behind the smiles and laughs every child left with a boost to their self esteem and confidence, critical characteristics required for their first day of school.

Snapshot of Items Kids Received:

Girls clothing items: 3.226; Boys clothing items: 5,528.
5,300 backpacks plus an additional 4,000 provided to BHHS Legacy Foundation in support of Backpack Buddies Program for schools in Northern Arizona.

10,000 school uniform polo shirts, 10,000 sweatshirts, 5,300 shorts & skorts, 5,300 belts, 15,000 boys boxers, 15,00 girls underwear, more than 20,000 socks, 5,300 Phoenix Suns baseball hats courtesy of the Phoenix Suns.

Girl’s accessories: Purses - 510; bracelets - 3,407; scarves - 2127; scrunchies - 3,697; hats - 344. We also gave out some hand-made slippers, decorated flip flops and crocheted belts.

Boy’s accessories: Key rings and zipper pulls - 2,467; caps - 1,406, as well as wallets, sports bags and slippers. Over 3,000 children received a "crazy" pen, courtesy of Boys Team Charities.

Planning for next year’s event is already underway. If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation you can do so by calling (623) 842-1727 or via email at btscda@qwestoffice.net.

Record-Setting First Day of Distribution

The first day of distribution was a record-setting, wildly successful day. We served 1,150 children, 51 more than the 1,100 we planned, shattering all records for kids served in a single day. Congratulations to everyone - our brainstorming and planning paid off.

Seven-year old Keathon Wright (above), a 2nd grader attending Desert Garden Elementary School in Glendale and guest of Mickey Lund, attended Distribution for the first time. Keathon brought with him a pair of shorts and pants that were too small. He said he wanted to give them to us so we could give it to someone else that they fit. His spirit and thoughtfulness blew me away. For his generosity I told him I would give him not one but two pairs of sneakers. His responded, “does that mean I get four sneakers?” Yes, I said and little Keathon’s eyes lit up like a sparkler on the fourth of July. On his way out after shopping he came to see me to say thank you and gave me a hug. That is why we love this charity, and that’s why I consider it a privilege to be your executive director.

Thanks to the 294 volunteers that shopped, stocked, and supported us today. Special thanks to Anita Heldt, Suzanne Stanton, Ann Weishaar and the rest of the 12News team for volunteering this morning. Others volunteers today included National Charities League – Camelback & Phoenix Chapters; Boys Team Charities, including former Phoenix Suns center Tim Kempton; the Do Crew from US Airways; Intel; Valley Presbyterian Church; LDS Glendale Institute; Meadows Middle School; Hampton Inn and Suites Scottsdale; Social Venture Partners; Telecomm Pioneers; USAA; and Wells Fargo.

Thank you to Tim and the rest of the Western Destinations team for your unconditional support. Transforming the gymnasium into a department store cannot be done with out you. And to all of the board members who gave their time this morning, Bravo! Well done team, we hit the ball out of the park. See you tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. Our first kids walk through the doors at 8 a.m. sharp.

7th grader Katie Staudenmaier B'day party supports BTS

Katie Staudenmaier, daughter of National Charities League and Snell and Wilmer Partner Heidi Staudenmaier, did someting rather unique for a teenager who I am sure loves anything wrapped in a big present box. She told friends invited to her birthday party (she turned 12) not to bring her any presents and instead to make a contribution to Back to School Clothing Drive. She raised more than $400. What Katie did is a testament to the impact one person can have on the lives of those in need. Way to go Katie and Heidi!

On the eve of distribution

just over a week out from Distribution all of the planning that has taken place over the last six months is finally coming together. Our partners and supporters have made our task much easier.

• Freeport Transportation is helping managing our shipping, storage, and inventory.
• Team Shop Premiums has secured all of the school supplies at deeply discounted rates.
• Phoenix Preparatory Academy once again has opened their school to us as hosts for Distribution.
• Delta Dental of AZ is providing all of our dental hygene items.
• 12News is our new media partner. They will be covering Distribution in great detail.
• Western Destinations hosts our annual event each year underwriting the cost of the facility at Pioneer Village in North Phoenix.

Jerry Wissink and the staff at BHHS Legacy Foundation & Legacy Connections are a significant reason we enjoy the success of serving our kids. The BHHS Legacy Foundation is one of our biggest supporters and without their support we could not carry out our mission. I encourage you to visit their Web site and support their mission.

In addition to Jerry Wissink and BHHS Legacy Foundation, Stardust Foundation's Jerry Bisgrove is one of the most generous and committed individuals making a difference in the lives of children here in the Valley. Bisgrove's foresight to create our SAFE program (Student Attire for Success) has helped thousands of children receive new school uniforms since 2004.

For a detailed listing of our supporters, please visit our Web site at www.backtoschoolclothingdrive.com.

Annual Distribution 2008

In just over a week we will begin setting up for our annual distribution event taking place July 21-25, 2008 at Phoenix Preparatory Academy. Over 1000 volunteers have signed up and we are going full steam ahead with preparations! This is the largest school clothing dristribution in Arizona. Every child recieves all new school uniforms, school supplies, backpacks, sneakers, and a handmade item sewn by our Stitches of Love team of over 200 seamstresses. There is still time for you to register to volunteer so send us an email at btscda@qwestoffice.net if you want to spend some time helping us outfit over 5,500 kids with new clothes!