Virginia nonprofit: 8,500 children receive custom clothing boxes

Volunteers in Virginia are assembling personalized care packages for children who lack access to properly fitted clothing. The nonprofit Boxes of Basics uses donated items to build boxes that schools and shelters distribute to students in need.

Sarah Tyndall founded the organization in 2018. Since then, a group of 1,000 volunteers has constructed custom packages for more than 8,500 children across the state.

The program addresses a national issue where an estimated 20 million children face clothing insecurity. This condition means a child does not have clothes that fit well, suit the season, or are in good repair. Without these basics, students may skip class, face bullying, or withdraw from social interactions.

Tyndall cited one boy as the inspiration for her work. The child avoided school because his clothes were small and worn. After receiving a box, he began waking up 30 minutes early each day to select his outfit. "This little boy didn’t want to go to school because he didn’t have clothes that fit. They were worn. They were small," Tyndall said.

The organization relies on schools and shelters to identify children and provide specific details. These include sizes, favorite colors, and favorite characters. Volunteers then visit a warehouse to select clothing for each child. The garments are donated, ranging from new items to gently used pieces.

Each box contains four school outfits, four play outfits, and a dress-up outfit. The package also includes new shoes, socks, and underwear, along with two age-appropriate books. Volunteers add a set of pajamas and a hygiene kit to every box. A duffle bag is provided for children who need a way to carry their new clothes.

Volunteers hand wrap each outfit and include a written note. Cheryl Burns, a volunteer, said she adds a smiley face to her messages. "I hope you like the clothes and books that I enjoyed picking out for you," Burns said. The organization plans to expand its work beyond Virginia.