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Jul 01, 2025

Youth and Family Council collecting clothes for kids in need

MANSFIELD — Michelle Miller said she has seen far too many children wearing dirty socks for days because it’s all they have. That’s why the director of Richland County Youth and Family Council decided

MANSFIELD — Michelle Miller said she has seen far too many children wearing dirty socks for days because it’s all they have.

That’s why the director of Richland County Youth and Family Council decided to put out a call for community donations.

The agency is accepting donations of new socks and underwear for people 21 and younger.

Miller said the RCYFC regularly provides undergarments and clothing to youth they serve and that it’s a “huge need” for struggling families, even when parents work full time.

“By the time they have immediate bills paid, it doesn’t leave a lot left for things like new underwear, new socks, new clothing,” she said.

Miller said the agency typically carries a caseload of about 30 youth and most of them are in need basic necessities like clothing.

But the agency also provides help on an as-needed basis to youth throughout the county.

“Having clean garments as clean socks can help with self-esteem,” she said. “People miss school and miss work because they don’t have those adequate materials.”

Miller said toiletries are another item the council often disperses to families.

“We’ve been very blessed to be able to have some grant funding to help purchase those items,” she said. “Grants are not always certain, so we would not turn any toiletry (donations) away.”

Miller said she’s noticed an increase over the last year or two of families in need. Oftentimes, this includes households where the income is too great to qualify for public assistance, but not enough to get by.

“What we’ve been noticing is families that have never asked for support before. These are families that you know aren’t receiving benefits of any kind but kind of in that gray area,” she said.

“We’re lucky in Richland County because we have a lot of pantries and the resources that 211 provides, but unfortunately, those don’t cover all the barriers that are within the community.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Richland County Jobs and Family Services building at 171 Park Ave. East, where RCYFC’s offices are located.

Looking for other ways to help? The Richland County Children’s Auxiliary program, The New Store, also accepts donations of new clothing and shoes.

Wayfinders, a homeless shelter in Mansfield, and the Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter have donation wishlists on their website.

Staff reporter at Richland Source since 2019. I focus on education, housing and features. Clear Fork alumna. Always looking for a chance to practice my Spanish. Got a tip? Email me at [email protected]. More by Katie Ellington Serrao