MAKING A DIFFERENCE : One Agency’s Approach: Clothing, With Dignity
Clothing prices, even at mass-market stores, have increased at nearly double the rate of inflation over the past 30 years. Resale outlets are one low-cost alternative, but even those can be too expensive for low-income families with school-age children. In the northeast San Fernando Valley, poor families can turn to MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), a nonprofit multi-service agency operating since 1971. MEND’s inventory, mostly used items donated by individuals, is not price-tagged. Each month more than 400 families visit the center and may fill one 30-gallon bag with clothes. MEND volunteers then ask for a donation of one dollar in return for the clothes, to encourage the families’ sense of self-sufficiency. Volunteers try to create a store-like atmosphere by keeping clothes sorted, racks tidy and adding new clothing, usually overstock from manufacturers, to the inventory whenever possible; when they noticed that many families brought their small children with them to the center, MEND added a play area with donated toys.
DIRECTOR
Marianne Haver Hill, Executive Director, MEND
The real intent of requesting a donation is that it allows people to give something for getting something in return. Some of our clients volunteer at the clothing center, so they give their time. It transforms the service from a handout to an exchange.
CLIENT AND VOLUNTEER
Alberto Estrada, Northeast Valley resident for 17 years
For six or seven years I have been a volunteer. Here I have many friends. My wife and I came to MEND sometimes to receive clothes so we give back (by volunteering). I like to help the people coming here; they are my neighbors. When they say thank you, I feel fine. And they receive something from the work I’ve given.
BASIC CLOTHING COSTS FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
BOY
jeans(2): $19.98
shirts(2): 25.98
socks: 1.99
cap: 5.99
belt: 6.99
briefs: 3.49 (package of three)
t-shirts: 4.49 (package of three)
shoes: 14.99
TOTAL: $83.90
GIRL
jeans: $24.99
slacks: 16.99
tops (2): 21.98
skirt: 12.99
socks: 1.99 (package of three)
panties: 2.99 (package of three)
shoes: 12.99
TOTAL: $94.92
Source: Sears, Roebuck & Co.
BOTTOM LINE
Total number of families served by MEND clothing center and money donated to clothing center by participating families, one dollar at a time.
Year: 1990
Total Families served: 7072
Total Money Donated: $5167
Year: 1991
Total Families served: 6414
Total Money Donated: $4342
Year: 1992
Total Families served: 6185
Total Money Donated: $4790
MEND service area
Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Pacoima, San Fernando, Sepulveda, Sylmar
TO GET INVOLVED
For information about volunteer or donation opportunities for MEND’s clothing center or its other social services, call 818-896-0246.
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