For children who experience clothing insecurity, the problem isn’t necessarily that they have nothing to wear. Sometimes their clothes simply don't fit or leave them feeling uncomfortable and lacking confidence. That's the distinction Amy Vann, founder of Eastgate-based Give Like a Mother (GLAM), hopes more people will understand in the latest episode of Good Day Clermont!
Vann is a mother with a professional background in healthcare who felt a calling to serve the local community in new and meaningful ways. “I have always loved helping children in different ways, particularly children who are underprivileged,” Vann said.
While searching for ways to give back to her community, she sought advice from a friend who principled at one of Clermont’s elementary schools. She learned that many children at school did not have shoes that fit them. Students who had to re-wear the same outfits throughout the week also experienced significant bullying which left an impact on their focus and grades.
“Children may have clothing that covers their body, but that is not always functionally appropriate, it’s not always age appropriate,” Vann told Good Day Clermont! “and most of all, it is not something that they are happy and proud to wear.”
Clothing insecurity became the primary focus for Vann as she learned how to establish and manage a nonprofit organization. “I’m a faith-based person, so I believe that God put people in my path directly who I needed at the time.”
Vann confessed that she initially worried about the practicalities of solving clothing insecurity in Clermont County. However, it did not take long for locals to begin reaching out, in large part, to donate clothing and monetary support.
“The community response was so overwhelming,” Vann recalled. “The thing that we heard over and over and over is ‘I was just waiting to make sure that it went to someone who needed it’,”
Since its founding in 2018, GLAM helps families of newborns to high school graduates access free clothes that fit their needs and make them feel among peers.
The organization produces 100 to 150 PACKs (personalized, age-appropriate, confidence-boosting, kits of clothing) for families each week. The team works diligently to customize each set according to the unique sizing and preference needs of the recipients. Each PACK includes five outfits, one for each day of the school week.
Amy Vann of GLAM and Bob Pautke of "Good Day Clermont!"
As an inclusive nonprofit, GLAM also provides in-person shopping exceptions for children who have special needs or are gender-non-conforming. In these cases, limited sizing and styling options online may not suit their preferences.
On September 15, they plan to produce upwards of 500 for National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day, nearly 4x their typical output. Vann says that GLAM always welcomes volunteers. Community service opportunities are available on their website and are flexible for those with complex scheduling needs.
Vann emphasized that educating the broader public about the misconceptions of clothing insecurity is just as important as delivering clothes to children. While many charitable organizations address clothing insecurity, most do not offer opportunities for families to choose what they receive.
“When you say, ‘that’s a great coat; if they are cold enough, they’ll wear it,’ they won’t wear it, because they’ll get beat up,” Vann cautioned. “It’s not because our clients are super picky, it's that the kids at school will pick on them. That’s not being picky, that’s self-preservation.”
Roughly 2 in every 5 children experience clothing insecurity. In rural counties like Clermont County, the prevalence may be higher. According to GLAM's website, over 100,000 kids in Southwest Ohio live without clean or adequate clothing.
Give Like a Mother
Understanding the root of the problem and how these children navigate clothing insecurity is the core to finding a meaningful solution. Vann reminded listeners that this is not an abstract issue, “These are families I have grown to know and love, and they are working two jobs and trying to make ends meet,”
Residents who want to help can volunteer at GLAM or other local nonprofits dedicated to serving underprivileged households. Most organizations rely on community support, be it volunteerism or monetary contributions. Just one week of support could change the lives of countless Clermont residents.
Amy Vann of GLAM and Bob Pautke of "Good Day Clermont!"
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