Hundreds of parents and students converge on Forman Mills Clothing Factory in the Warren-Conner shopping center on Detroit's eastside, Wednesday, September 9, 2009 to redeem vouchers for free school uniforms and make their apparel selections. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

OVER 250 DETROIT-AREA STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOOL UNIFORM VOUCHERS FROM FORMAN MILLS

DETROIT - In celebration of the new school year on Wednesday, September 9, nearly 300 students and parents ventured to Forman Mills on Warren and Conner (11950 East Warren Avenue) to receive free school uniforms for the school year courtesy of Forman Mills.

While shopping, students, parents and siblings enjoyed hot dogs and beverages, a magician who dazzled children’s eyes with magic tricks and balloon animals, face painting and music and radio giveaways.

“We are very excited with the turnout,” said Christopher Steahle, advertising director for Forman Mills, a Philadelphia-area, value-based discount retailer committed to providing consumers in underserved markets with significant discounts on high-profile brand fashions. “It is a pleasure to give back to the metropolitan Detroit community. Everyone who took part was unbelievably gracious.”

More than 250 Detroit-area students were pre-identified to receive vouchers valued at $30 to purchase two pairs of pants and three shirts. The vouchers were awarded to disadvantaged students from Detroit Public Schools (DPS) and neighboring educational facilities.

"Detroit Public Schools welcomes and appreciates community partners who want to get involved in our schools," said Robert Bobb, Emergency Financial Manager for DPS. "Through our combined effort and support we can inspire children to excellence. Each one of us has this power to impact the life of a child in some way. This is a generous example."



To help identify voucher recipients in need of uniforms, Forman Mills partnered with Angel Land, a non-profit organization devoted to the overall care and development of children and their families, and TWW & Associates, an organization that seeks to prepare individuals for the 21st century workforce. The recipients were identified through a work database, which they had to apply for.

“It was wonderful because a lot of parents did not have the funds to provide what their child should have,” said parent Sonya Oliver. Detroit Public Schools does enforce a dress code, which is established by each school’s principal and varies by school. On their application, students detailed their dress code requirements, which allowed Forman Mills to order items accordingly.

Parent Pamela Hill echoed Oliver’s sentiment. “It is a great relief out of my pockets. It feels good to have someone help me buy school clothes for my children.”

“We’re thrilled that we have the opportunity to do our part to ensure that no child is left behind,” adds John W. Cromer, community and faith based liaison for Angel Land Child Care & Parent Institute. “There is no way to explain the joy and sense of relief that parents and students expressed when they found out about these vouchers. Without their assistance, many of these families just didn’t know how they would pay for school uniforms. ”

In addition to the Warren and Conner location, Forman Mills can also be found in Highland Park at the Model T Plaza and in the Bel-Air Centre on 8 Mile Road in Detroit.