August 24, 2026
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About 30 people benefited from the recent Kids Clothing Drive as distribution of the generous donations was held Aug. 12-13, at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine.
Organizer Wendy Cox said the original intent of this event was to ensure that all kids returning to school had new-to-them clothes to wear – young people grow across the summer, and last season's clothes don’t cover the need. This is also a good opportunity to prevent usable resources from going into the landfill.
"We were thrilled to receive donations up to, and including, adults 3X," said Cox. "Our donors also realize that school-age kids often have younger siblings, so we were pleased to take donations starting with newborn and increasing all the way up to age 14.
"We had every size you can imagine but couldn’t guarantee to suit everybody’s tastes. We were successful in totally kitting out one enthusiastic youngster who left the building carrying a bag nearly as big as the kid was. We don’t place limits – if you like it, if it fits and if you can use it – we’re happy for you to take it."
One difference this year, said Cox, was that more people came to pick up kids clothing for a friend or family member.
"Some of these thoughtful people also insisted on making a cash donation in spite of our protests that everything was free. This cash, when added to a generous donation that had been received early in the drive enabled us to make sure that one area teen could put his best foot forward in September!"
Everyone who attended was very appreciative of being able to find clothing for free.
"We were also able to provide a total of six United Way fully-stocked backpacks to four families that didn't know they were freely available by calling 211," said Cox.
"One mom’s anxiety, at reading the United Way’s list of what her kid would need for his grade, turned to relief the instant she was told that there was a free, fully-stocked backpack available for her to take. One other family picked up the backpack order after picking out clothes. The remaining ordered backpacks will be available for pick-up Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Good Food Box distribution at Knox Kincardine.
After the trusty volunteers re-bagged any warm clothing for use in the upcoming Winter Warmth Clothing Drive, the remaining adult-size clothing was sent to The Clothes Hamper in downtown Kincardine, and the baby and toddler clothing and accessories were retained for future need.
"Since we were reliably informed that The Clothes Hamper was over-stocked with kids clothes, the rest of our leftovers was donated to Goodwill," said Cox. "Thank you, Kincardine area neighbours, we couldn’t do this without your consistent generosity!"
-- photo by Wendy Cox
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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