Port Chester, N.Y.'s Sharing Shelf offers free clothes to kids in need

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. - A suburban not-for-profit says back-to-school demand is strong, and growing. 

With designer labels, huge selection, and an industrial chic vibe, the Teen Boutique in Port Chester feels like a special place to shop, except there's no cash register. Everything is free for those in need. 

"People do not realize how many children are in need of clothing to go to school and be like the rest of the kids," donor Linda Kalian said. 

Kalian has helped stock the warehouse at The Sharing Shelf, where new and used clothing meet the growing demand. 

"Last year was a dramatic rise in need. In fact, our demand has gone up three-fold in the last three years," Sharing Shelf founder Deborah Blatt said. 

She said demand is up 11% this fall over last fall.   

"New clothes help me feel more confident"

The free clothing means more money is available for other expenses like an electric bill. 

"You have families struggling to pay the rent, families struggling to put food on the table. Those very same families are also struggling to provide clothing to growing children," Blatt said. 

In addition to helping families with their economic situation, Sharing Shelf says having access to nice clothing is a boost to student self esteem. 

Thank you notes from students who have received clothes say it all. "New clothes help make me feel more confident," one note reads. 

"If we can meet that need and help kids in school one day longer, get them to graduation, we're doing our job," Blatt said.