The Second Chances Kids Community Closet made its debut this past summer to rousing successes in three Aroostook communities.

The United Way of Aroostook and Aroostook County Action Program received a request from Fort Fairfield Housing Authority to bring the Closet back to help clothe local children and teens at no cost to the families in February.

The United Way will accept donations of gently used, clean, or new clothing for infants, toddlers, children and teens from now until the day of the event, February 19, at their offices located at the Aroostook Centre Mall. People can also drop off their donations at the Fort Fairfield Housing Authority or the Fort Fairfield Health Center.

The event is open to the public and will take place at the Community Room at Fort Fairfield Housing Authority on February 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Back in July and August, United Way, ACAP, and Adopt A Block in Houlton, hosted similar clothing swap days in Fort Kent, Presque Isle, and Houlton, inviting the community so parents and their kids could choose clothing prior to the start of the school year.

The Kids Community Closet works on philosophy of “leave what you can, take what you need,” and is open to anyone in the community who may benefit from the clothing exchange.

United Way Executive Director Sherry Locke says, "This year, some families have been hit particularly hard because of the early onset of the cold and snow and the government shutdown on top of that. With budgets already stretched, this is our way of helping."

For a complete list of clothing donation sites, sponsors, volunteer needs, and location updates, visit them on Facebook or contact Sherry Locke at 207-764-5197.

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