Amen House launches free back-to-school clothing giveaway

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)— The Amen House has kicked off its back-to-school clothing giveaway on Wednesday, offering a much-needed resource for families across the Commonwealth as the new school year draws near.

The event, which began Wednesday morning, provides families with a large bag of free clothing, allowing them to prepare their children for school without financial strain.

Organizers of the event tell ABC 36 that participation is open to everyone, not just Amen House members. However, there is a structured process in place: attendees are allotted 20 minutes to shop and are limited to one large bag per family.

Despite Wednesday being the first day of the giveaway, volunteers at the Amen House reported a large turnout, expecting approximately 150 families to participate.

The executive director of Amen House, Michele Carlisle, emphasized the importance of the giveaway, noting that the rising costs of back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming for many families.

“Added to all the crayons and markers and scissors and paper, and all of that that families need for back to school, as well is clothing. Because those kids have grown over the summer and need a whole new round of clothes to go back to school, and we just want to take care of making sure they got that,” she said. “Just want to make sure that every kid in our community arrives confident with what they’re wearing on that first day,” said Carlisle.

For those who couldn’t attend Wednesday, the event will also be held on Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.