Portsmouth Abbey Hopes to Set New Record With Holiday Clothing Drive

The true spirit of Christmas is alive and well throughout the community this holiday season, as the school-wide 2011 Clothe-A-Child effort is hoping to exceed expectations. 

The funds raised will enable the school to provide much-needed coats, clothing and related items for children and families in the Newport County and Fall River areas.

Last year, Portsmouth Abbey’s Clothe-A-Child campaign set an all-time record by raising more than $13,000 and clothing 487 children, an increase of more than 100 children from the previous year. Since the program’s inception in 1990, Clothe-A-Child has raised more than $93,000, and has clothed more than 2,750 children.

Pam Gorman, the school's director of medical services, said, "It is humbling to see so many people pitch in to help others less fortunate. We are proud of our students, whose imagination and efforts this year were remarkable, and grateful for the generosity of our parents, families and school community."

The Clothe-a-Child campaign has taken place on campus every December since 1990 to assist area families in need. The effort is spearheaded by student members of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the Medical Services staff.  

Area social services agencies receiving the clothing include: the Salvation Army in Newport and Fall River, MA; the Boys and Girls Club of Newport; Lucy's Hearth (a transitional shelter for homeless women and their children); the Ella Risk Elementary School in Central Falls; Job Corp. (a federally run school that provides job training for adolescents); in Portsmouth; the ; and Star Kids. Donated items consisted of coats, hats, mittens, gloves, hoodies, scarves, outfits and gift cards.

Students have undertaken a wealth of creative activities to raise as much money as possible for the cause.  The student residential houses have held hamburger, taco, and cotton candy sales, as well as holding bake sales and “dress-down” days.

“I would like to thank all of the faculty and staff who have been supporting the students’ efforts,” said Gorman. “They have been energetically raising incredible amounts of money. Irene Appleman, RN bought the first batch of 33 coats (originally $80 apiece) on sale for $13.59 each and the second batch for $19.99 each. Needless to say, every dollar that is donated is going as far as we can stretch it."

The program will finish on Monday, Dec. 12, with a display of the clothing in the foyer of the Stillman Dining Hall.   

Nurse Nancy Weida said of the program, “Being a part of this amazing fundraiser will hopefully inspire our students to incorporate works of charity into their future lives.”