BOZEMAN, MT — With the start of a new school year happening across the valley, HRDC is holding an event this week that seeks to ensure area teens have the opportunity to re-stock their closets with clothing and personal care items.

Made possible through the generosity of the community, racks of new and gently used clothing will be on hand to take home at no charge. Available clothing sizes will generally fit youth ages 12 - 18. In addition to staples like jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts, shoppers will also find shoes, socks, athletic wear and more.

“We’re very much looking forward to resurrecting this popular event. We haven’t been able to host it for a couple of years due to Covid restrictions, so we are both prepared for and expecting a large crowd of shoppers on Wednesday evening,” said Emma Hamburg, HRDC’s Event Coordinator.

Among a host of HRDC staff and community volunteers who have been busy organizing all the details, Hamburg enlisted the help of a local teen, Olivia Hall, to help coordinate this year’s event and to lend perspective on what teens both like and need. Hall explained what drew her to the project, “When I learned that HRDC started this event several years ago knowing that not all kids had the same resources to go school shopping, I really connected with the chance to do something so positive for our community. I’m helping pull together an awesome shopping opportunity for my peers and I love that anyone can stop by and take home a bag of clothes that will help them feel good about starting the new school year.”

Interested teens can stop by Building Number 1 at Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman on Wednesday, August 31st between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. This no-cost event is open to everyone and all available items will be free of charge.

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montana and believes everyone deserves a helping hand. Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/