Note in the Pocket

Practices

Disciplines

 

CLOTHING INSECURITY

MEETING A CRITICAL NEED

Addressing Clothing Insecurity

What is Clothing Insecurity?

Clothing insecurity is a lack of clothing that's properly fitted, seasonally appropriate, and in good condition. It’s a hidden crisis that is affecting 2 out of every 5 children in America, because households with children living below the poverty line cannot afford their weekly expenses, which include clothing.

The Effects of Clothing Insecurity

Children who experience clothing insecurity are more likely to:

  • Miss school and fall behind
  • Have behavioral problems or depression
  • Be bullied or become bullies because they’re in emotional pain
  • Get sick because they lack warm or clean clothing
  • Suffer physically because their clothes or shoes don’t fit

Any of these factors can cause students to struggle socially, emotionally, and academically.

The Growing Impact

At Note in the Pocket, we’ve seen the number of requests for clothing almost double in the past two years.

Students who experience clothing insecurity usually live in poverty and qualify for free or reduced lunch. In the Wake County Public School System, this includes 55,824 students, a 10% increase from the 2019-2020 school year. In Durham Public Schools, more than 65% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

The impact is more than being chilly in class or having holes in your socks. Our partners share stories of a little girl asking her teacher if she’s trash and of two brothers taking turns going to school because they share one pair of shoes. To us, it’s unacceptable.

By targeting clothing insecurity, Note in the Pocket empowers students to overcome other obstacles and succeed academically and socially. We want to ensure that every single child is given the tools they need to begin a journey toward college or a career, and ultimately ending generational poverty for that family.

After receiving a min-wardrobe, the stories change. Instead of a child worrying about being bullied at school, they are skipping to the school bus and making new friends. Instead of keeping their head down in class, they are raising their hand high to answer a teacher’s question.

How You Can Help

You can help provide clothing that will help children gain dignity and confidence in school to succeed.