Today marks the first day of the annual Dress-A-Child event in Tuscarawas County.

The Dress-A-Child organization is solely organized and operated by volunteers. 100% of the money raised is used for shopping for those registered for the program.

Officials note in a press release that last year 1,388 children were given vouchers worth $65 each.

The vouchers were then used to purchase new school clothes.

Unfortunately, officials add the 2016 voucher amount was much less than in years past when amounts ranged from $70 to $87.

The release notes the youth initiated program Sole Purpose, based out of Dover First Moravian Church, also set a 2017 goal to provide shoes for all Tuscarawas County school children in grades K-5.

In 2014, Sole Purpose provided $20 shoe vouchers to 97 students in grades K-5 in the Dover City School district. In 2015, The New Philadelphia school district was added and 283 vouchers were distributed. Last year, 714 vouchers were provided.

The partnership between Sole Purpose and Dress-A-Child in 2014 helped provide both new school clothes and shoes for kids.

Shopping dates are now taking place with kids heading to Walmart today. This year, Marshall’s has been added to the list of shopping sites. Marshall’s and Kohls will hold two shopping days.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Dress-A-Child program can contact Becky Mastin at 330-364-1684.

Donations, made payable to Dress-A-Child may be sent to Becky Mastin, Treasurer, at 1210 Winkler Drive, Dover, Ohio 44622.

Donations for Sole Purpose can be sent to Dover First Moravian Church, Attn: Sole Purpose, 319 North Walnut Street, Dover, Ohio 44622.

Michaela Madison Reporting