The local Belk’s department store donated 525 school uniforms to United Way of the Coastal Empire on Wednesday, July 26, to distribute to children in need throughout the Savannah Chatham County School System’s. Belk’s generous donation of new, high quality clothing will help school children, one by one, prepare for the upcoming school year with new uniforms.

In our community, many low-income families struggle to pay for their child’s school uniforms. Some children miss days in school because they do not have proper attire. Lack of uniforms can also impact discipline and achievement.  When a student shows up feeling good about how they look on the outside, it can play a major role in how they perform inside the classroom. 

“For many low-income families, the cost of uniforms can place a strain on their limited budgets,” said Trudy Jones, United Way 2-1-1 Director.  “Belk’s donation of uniforms not only helps the families stretch their dollars, but it also helps ensure our children don’t have to miss school simply because their parents can’t afford uniforms.”

United Way of the Coastal Empire is grateful for Belk’s generosity. The company has been donating school uniforms to our local community since 2013.  Last year, Belk’s and its associates donated more than $12,000 to United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.