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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. Stillman Property Management in Mamaroneck has adopted Kids Kloset in White Plains by committing to raise $15,000 this year for the Westchester Jewish Community Services program.
Like any adoptive parents, employees at the Halstead Avenue property management firm will show that they care by giving their time to Kids Kloset, which distributes new and gently used children's clothing and essentials to Westchester families in need. Volunteers use service agencies, including houses of worship, schools, shelters and community groups, to deliver donated items.
"It's really my employees who formed a relationship with the charity Kids Kloset," said Roy Stillman, president of Stillman Property Management.
Stillman is on the board of WJCS, based in White Plains, which facilitates the "adoptive" relationship between companies and charities of their choice. WJCS met with Stillman's employees, who chose to work with Kids Kloset. They have already raised $10,000 through bake sales and support from contractors and even customers.
"At a time in the economy where government assistance has become much less than it used to be, private assistance to these programs is absolutely a necessity," Stillman said.
Kids Kloset began as a random act of kindness by Stephanie Roth, who connected a mother with a suitable stroller for her child. Now, with the help of WJCS, her homegrown operation has evolved into a 501(c)(3) organization in downtown White Plains.
"Every time I get an email about donations Im surprised at how fast the news had spread," said Roth, who also volunteers at a Head Start program in downtown White Plains with Beth El Synagogue and Hadassah, a Jewish womens organization. Kids Kloset "means less stress for the parents because it's one less thing to worry about. For kids it really helps build confidence because now they're walking around in fresh, clean, clothes that fit."
Saturday, Stillman's employees will sort and repackage donations of children's clothing for Kids Kloset at 170 E. Post Road from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stillman said other companies or organizations interested in adopting programs may call Barbara Gordon at 914-761-5100.
Interested in helping out? Kids Kloset is always looking for volunteers, hangers, shelves, storage bins, shoes, and new or gently used clothing. Items needed the most include unopened diaper packages, wipes, new bottles and sippy cups, and new underwear for children of all ages. For more information call 914-761-0600, ext. 715, or email kidskloset@wjcs.com.
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