Buckhead Christian Ministry Provides Clothing to Children on Back to School Night

Buckhead Christian Ministry Hosts Back to School Night at Buckhead Thriftique

Local Thrift Store Provides Clothes to Children and Families in Need

ATLANTA – Over 70 children received clothing through Buckhead Thriftique’s Back to School Night, sponsored by Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM). Families enrolled in the ministry’s educational and homelessness prevention programs were offered the chance to participate in this event. Advertisements were placed to “adopt” children, and 44 donors purchased outfits and shoes, or made monetary contributions to this effort.

Many members of the programs are low-income families seeking financial education, housing and emergency assistance. Mothers like Marcia Sandimanie have truly felt the impact of BCM’s relief programs: “I was homeless at one point and had a really hard life. This program is a miracle. It really made me believe that anything is possible.” Marcia’s children received two outfits, one new pair of shoes, socks and underwear. 

Robyn Hazelrigs is the store manager at Thriftique, a thrift store located in Buckhead for over 14 years. “I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they get a new outfit for a job interview or church. These kids are so excited to have a fresh look for the first day of the school,” said Hazelrigs.

“School is an expensive time of year. Our clients are working really hard to make a change in their lives and this is a small way to give back to them,” said Dudley Franklin, Director of Development at BCM. The volunteers and staff supporting the event hope to expand its impact in the future, serving more families throughout the Atlanta area.

“Kids get to go to school and have confidence. They act differently when they feel good about themselves, and the parents are not stressed out about having to afford new clothes,” said Eloise Williams, Transitional Housing Manager and Case Management Supervisor at BCM. “The kids get to go shopping with their moms, and we’re restoring a sense of dignity to them.”

BCM plans to make the Back to School Night an annual event at Thriftique. Upcoming events include the “Tee It Up” Golf Tournament at the Peachtree Golf Club on September 30.

About Buckhead Christian Ministry (www.buckheadchristianministry.org)
Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that provides assistance to individuals of all backgrounds and faiths. Founded in 1987, BCM was the product of five churches recognizing the need of a coordinated community relief effort. BCM now reaches families throughout the city of Atlanta, supported by 28 churches, corporations and businesses, private and public foundations, civic groups and individuals. Preventing homelessness through education and the provision of food, clothing and financial assistance are the main tenets of BCM’s programs: the 70/30 Project, Transitional Housing Project and Money Management Course.