It's not too late to get involved.
The New Store held its winter coat event this week, but accepts donations and volunteers year-round. Check out the bottom of this story for ways to help.
MANSFIELD — Children swarmed through the Mid Ohio Conference Center on Wednesday. They ate cookies, danced to Kidz Bop soundtracks and plastered stickers on to party hats.
And of course, they tried on new coats, hats, gloves and scarves — everything needed to stay warm and toasty this winter.
Every year, the Richland County Children’s Auxiliary (often referred to simply as The New Store) provides children in need with brand new clothing, school supplies, and more.
During the annual winter coat event, volunteers help children “shop” for items while their parents wait in the hall.
How can I get help from the New Store?
To be eligible for The New Store, a child must be enrolled in their school’s free/reduced lunch program or observed by school staff to be in need.
The agency also receives referrals from local caseworkers, Wayfinders and the Domestic Violence Shelter. The New Store serves children entering preschool through 8th grade at any Richland County school.
For more information on how to get help, click here.
Matt Godsil, a first-time volunteer, said kids enjoy getting to pick out their own items and surprise their loved ones.
“They come in and they’ve got choices, so they have a little autonomy in the process,” he said.
“They’re all excited and feeling pretty proud about their new coat, especially when they get to pick out the colors they want, try stuff on and then go show mom and dad outside.”
“It’s a lot of fun,” he added. “Kind of puts you in the holiday spirit.”
The New Store serves 5,000 children per year
Kelly Andress, executive director of the Richland County Children’s Auxiliary, said the program grows every year.
“When we started as an auxiliary in 1996, we served 50 kids at Christmas and that was it,” she said. “Now we serve 5,000 kids annually through about nine different programs.”
“We’re hoping to give away around 800 coats tonight,” Andress added. “It’s just a matter of how many families show up.”
About 1,500 children were invited to The New Store’s winter coat program Wednesday, including families from Richland County Children’s Services Kinship Program, Friendly House, the YMCA and existing New Store clients.
Andress said all the winter clothing was purchased new during the off-season using federal TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families) funding, plus private and corporate donations.
Families also had access to resources onsite from the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, Third Street Family Health Services, Richland County Jobs and Family Services, Matthew 25 Ministries, Stronger by Choice.
“The whole gist is we want these families to know they’ve got a whole community supporting them, and they’re not on their own,” Andress said.
Children’s activities and cookies were provided by Cleveland Cliffs and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“Cleveland Cliffs has always been a long time supporter of The New Store, so they have come in and volunteered in a variety of different ways, and they are a sponsor for the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Andress said.
“About three years ago, the Cavs found out about us and they came down, so we’ve had them join us for the last three years now.”
How to get involved
There are multiple ways to support The New Store’s work, including:
Becoming a volunteer. The New Store is a non-profit that relies heavily on volunteer support. Volunteers often help to sort and hang clothing. They can also come in during dressing days and winter coat giveaways to serve as “personal shoppers” and help children pick out clothes.
Adopting a child for Christmas. The New Store’s Christmas program allows community members to “adopt” and shop for a child based on their Christmas list. Shoppers typically spend around $120 per child.
Volunteers with The New Store and Crossroads Church distribute gifts to the families.
Anyone interested in “adopting” a child for Christmas can email info@thenewstore or kellyandress@thenewstore.com. All gifts are due by the first week of December.
Donating to The New Store. Checks and money orders can be mailed to The New Store, PO Box 2525, Mansfield, OH 44906.
Hosting a drive. Andress said local business sometimes have drives to collect a certain type of item like socks, toys, coats or pajamas. All items donated to The New Store must be brand new.
