Charities Help Teens' Self Esteem By Donating Free New Clothing

One-hundred-seventy teenage girls came to New Rochelle on Saturday, Nov. 14 for the seventh semi-annual Teen Boutique at the New York Covenant Church in New Rochelle. The girls from communities throughout Westchester County had an opportunity to shop for free clothing, shoes and accessories donated by Westchester residents and displayed boutique-style by volunteers.

The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound (JLWOS) partnered with The Sharing Shelf on the event. FSW Board member Dierdra Gray Clark, a minister at the New York Covenant Church, arranged for the space to be made available to The Sharing Shelf free of charge.

“I am amazed by the incredible volunteers who step forward every year to make this event a success,” said Deborah Blatt, Program Director. “We saw an outpouring of donations from throughout the Westchester community. I am so grateful to stores and businesses who either donated items or opened their doors as collection sites.”

More than 180 volunteers gave of their time over a period of 3 days to help create the one-day event.

“All of this effort is completely worth it when you see the faces of the girls who walk away with their bags brimming with “new” clothing,” added Ms. Blatt. “Clothing is way of expressing themselves and contributes to their self esteem. I see it when the girls are shopping – they arrive reserved and shy, then leave smiling from ear to ear.”

“The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound is proud to support The Sharing Shelf of FSW in giving these local teens, many of whom don’t have the means to purchase even the basic clothing essentials, a shopping experience they will never forget. This year’s Teen Boutique is helping more teens from families in need than ever,” said Cara Gentile, a committee chair for JLWOS.

The girls who attended were from Port Chester, New Rochelle, White Plains, Ossining, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Sleepy Hollow, Pleasantville, Mamaroneck, Dobbs Ferry and Elmsford.

They were referred by 22 social service agencies, schools, community groups and churches. Over 4,500 items were distributed not only to the girls who attended but others from residential facilities such as Children’s Village, St. Christopher’s and the Jewish Child Care Association, who were unable to attend.

Taneyasha, one of the teens, commented, “I love that everything is free! I found everything I need and now I’m helping my friend shop.”

“Teen Boutique exemplifies the importance of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Susan B. Wayne, President and CEO at FSW. “Each of these events demonstrates FSW’s commitment to strengthening individuals and families in Westchester County.”