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Published on 09/08/1997 All articles from this issue

Retailers offering new clothes, better self-esteem

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By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer

Working for low wages while trying to raise a family and keep up with the area's skyrocketing rent has made it difficult for some Los Altos and Mountain View families to afford any extras, including school supplies for their children.

But thanks to the community's support, 45 economically disadvantaged children will be able to start school like everyone else - wearing a new set of clothes and carrying new backpacks, pencils and binders.

Mervyn's department store in Mountain View hosted its annual Mervyn's Childspree last month, at which children ages 6-18 were each given $100 to spend on brand new school clothes during the one hour back-to-school shopping spree.

Mervyn's spokeswoman Lesley Clark said the start of school is traditionally the time of year when children have many needs. She said Mervyn's began bringing children into the store in 1993 to let them choose their own style of clothing and raise their self-esteem.

"We want to send them back (to school) with a better sense of self worth," Clark said. "Hopefully, the contributions will have a long-lasting effect and keep these kids on the right track."

Staff members from the Ecumenical Hunger Program and the Community Service Agency (CSA) of Mountain View and Los Altos, helped select the children who participated in the event.

Maureen Wadiak, director of program management at CSA, said the agency chose 20 children from working poor families.

She said these children's parents work one to two jobs for minimum wage and are struggling to make ends meet. Some of the families were living in motels while trying to find an affordable place to live, she said.

Wadiak said being economically disadvantaged is particularly difficult for children in this area because they are surrounded by affluent communities.

She said many of these children don't fit in at school because they can't afford to participate in many activities such as after-school sports or Girl Scouts.

She said clothes are a big statement at school. They can make children fit in better, which clearly makes a difference in their school performance.

"The clothes make them feel good about themselves. This encourages them to raise their hands and gives them a chance to do better," Wadiak said.

Mervyn's Childspree helped 5,000 kids during its first annual event. This year, 274 Mervyn's stores participated in the event and helped more than 20,000 children, according to store officials.

Chevron, Mervyn's in Mountain View and the Palo Alto Jaycees contributed $45,000 to the event.