Recent donations from PUMA North America, Cradles to Crayons, Boynton Yards, help stock SFLC’s Clothing Closet to support Somerville students.

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative’s Clothing Closet recently received a number of donations from local businesses and organizations, making it possible for SFLC and the Somerville Public Schools to distribute quality clothing, footwear, and other items to Somerville students struggling with basic needs. In Fall 2022, the Clothing Closet received large donations from PUMA North America, whose headquarters is located at Assembly Row, from long-standing SPS partner Cradles 2 Crayons, and from Boynton Yards.

The Clothing Closet is currently supplying winter gear, clothing, sneakers and boots. PUMA’s shoes and athletic apparel makes it possible to distribute quality footwear and clothing to more students. Since 2014, the SFLC’s Clothing Closet has been staffed by an extraordinary team of community volunteers and operates year-round on a referral basis for students and families through Somerville School Liaisons. The Closet exists to provide students requiring basic needs and support with warm and practical clothing to help them thrive in school.

“We are incredibly thankful for our generous donors who have once again stepped up to help us provide for students in need of support this winter,” said SFLC Director Nomi Davidson. “Cradles 2 Crayons continues to be an amazing partner, supplying our Clothing Closet with clothing for all weather. This year we are also thankful to the staff and management at PUMA’s North American Headquarters at Assembly Row for their generosity.”

“The power of social media worked to our advantage thanks in large part to Somerville residents Kat Rutkin and Rachel Thuerk responding to our request by connecting us to Nia Vital of PUMA,” Davidson continued. “A fantastic team of SFLC staff and volunteers, Somerville Public Schools Administrators and the Somerville Department of Public Works came together to facilitate the donations. Thank you for your tireless work and advocacy for our students and families,”

If you or a student or family that you know needs resources or information about access to clothing, food, housing, transportation, or other basic needs, please contact the SFLC’s Office of Basic Needs and Housing Support at 617-625-6600 x6994, or the SFLC main line at 617-625-6600 x6966.