Look Sharp, Feel Smart

Looking good makes you feel good which breeds success

When students look good, they feel good and are ready to learn.  That is the premise of the first part of our “Look Sharp, Feel Smart” program.   The program provides each student with a new outfit for back-to-school.  The outfit consists of new pants, a shirt, socks and underclothes.   They also receive two (2) weeks worth of gently used clothes donated by local residents.  Uniforms are also provided for students of public schools in Madison County that require them.  The goal is for the children to begin the school year feeling confident and included, regardless of their parent’s financial situation.  All applicants are screened using the federal poverty guidelines.

School Supplies

The second part of the program provides students with school supplies.  Studies show that children are less likely to succeed in the classroom when they are not prepared.  For this part of the program, parents bring their children’s school supply list and CCYR fills the order.  Back-to-school can be very stressful on families trying to make it day-to-day.  With gas and food prices going up, it is almost impossible for our clients to save.  ” Look Sharp, Feel Smart” helps relieve the financial burden of the new school year.  Parents do not have to take drastic measures (title loans, cash advance, etc.) or illegal actions to provide for their children.

In 2011, this program helped 600 children, with over 1200 articles of clothing and shoes given away, plus over 400 sets of school supplies.

Any assistance to cover program expenses is much appreciated.  However, money is not the only way to contribute.  We will gladly accept donations of clothes and school supplies.  The program runs from early July to mid-August. each year. 

School Supplies Needed

• Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
• No. 2 Pencils
• Black/Blue Ink Pens
• Pencil Sharpeners (with catcher)
• Folders (with & without brads)
• Highlighters
• Washable Markers
• Crayons
• Scissors (large & small)
• Glue Sticks
• Dictionaries
• Thesauruses
• Clear Plastic Pencil Bags
• Facial Tissues (such as Kleenex)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Disinfectant Wipes
• 3×5 Index Cards & Card Containers
• Colored Pencils
• 3-Subject Spiral Notebooks
• Protractor w/measurements
• Nap/Rest Mats
• Construction Paper
• School Box
• Back Packs