Counseling agency gives away school clothes

With the beginning of school about two weeks away, some local parents have fewer shopping options for supplying their kids with essentials for the upcoming fall semester.

As such, a local counseling agency is providing a service for cash-strapped families who are in need of back to school clothing.

Officials at Open Arms Counseling say they have a bonanza of clothing at their 1017 E. Basin Ave., location.

Operations Director Brent Murphy said this week the agency is inviting families out to take advantage of their free back to school clothing giveaway.

“It’s just our way of giving back to the community and helping out anybody who needs it. Of course, we are always accepting donations and a lot of people know what we do and just drop items off to us. It’s for all ages so we have clothes for all sizes and seasons,” he said.

Murphy said because the service is not based on income, everyone can stop in and walk out with what they feel they need this time of year.

“That’s why we really want to push this and get everybody who needs clothes for the start of school. Today it’s been a steady inflow and a lot of people are extremely appreciative, happy and think what we are doing is a great thing,” he said.

One local resident was thankful for the offer.

As the father of a preschooler and a second grader, he showed a strong aptitude for folding and sorting young children’s clothes while visiting the agency.

“I think this is great. I’ve got two kids going back to school this year and school supplies cost enough as it is. Obviously clothes are expensive and they’ve got free clothes. They accept donations and that’s what we’re going to do as well. They are helping us and we are going to help them as well. It’s a great way of getting your kids off to school looking nice,” said the father, who only gave his first name, Jedediah.

Murphy, meanwhile, wanted to remind the community that the free clothing giveaway will be an ongoing service courtesy of the agency.

According to the agency’s website, the community clothing giveaway occurs every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Those who would like to donate clean, gently used items may contact Danielle at 751-0444.

An additional back to school event is scheduled for this Saturday as officials at Valley Electric Association, are preparing to host the eighth annual Fill the Bucket school supply drive at several locations around the community on Aug. 2.

On its website, VEA encourages community members to donate items during the annual event within VEA’s service area.

VEA employees and Ambassadors will be stationed at multiple locations in Pahrump from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 2, to accept donations of school supplies and cash according to co-op’s website.