Reading a book club selection back in 2017 sent Yvonne Applegate and many of her neighbors along the path of improving the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of students, in Davis County.
The book “Seven: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess” mentions the author’s attempts to wear only seven items of clothing, the average amount people living in poverty have in their wardrobe.
Applegate and other book club members knew their closets and bureaus held a lot more than seven — in some cases, more than 77 times 7 — clothing items. It was time to donate some clothing to those in need.
A conversation with a school administrator opened Applegate’s eyes to what students needed.
“I found out that there were kids sleeping on the floors at home,” she said. “At first, we accepted bedding to get those kids something, but then people started donating things that would normally be sent to (Deseret Industries). My garage filled up ... and we gave away clothes for kids, too.”
This Davis Community Closet clothing and bedding giveaway has grown from serving 150 people in 2017 to approximately 2,000 in 2024. As is the case with backpack and food giveaways across the state and country, the growing number of families struggling economically has contributed to the increase of those being served.
In the case of the back-to-school clothing giveaway, the increased demand is also impacted by the fact that not many communities provide infants, toddlers and older students with new-to-them clothes for the school new year, or bedding, underwear and shoes.
At the giveaway, families are given a 50-gallon bag and the help of a volunteer shopper to ensure they get what they need, not only for their children, but for some adults as well. Men’s suits have become very popular items to grab, especially for those who attend religious services and have never had a suit to wear to church, Applegate said.
Applegate’s sign that she and her peers are meeting the community’s needs is seen when the items donated are gone. But she is also aware of the event’s success by the continued support of neighbors who donate.
One couple donates pallets filled with clothing items for families. Some drop items off on Applegate’s front steps. Others spend hours going through the closets in their homes, separating what they find, placing them in white garbage bags and dropping everything off at the designated spots.
“There are people who give and people who receive,” Applegate said. “And we’re not a tax-exempt organization so people are giving to this event knowing they could donate somewhere else and see the tax benefit. That’s how much this event means to people here, the people who receive and the people who donate.”
Applegate and other volunteers expect to see 2,500 people at the back-to-school giveaway at Bountiful High School on Saturday.
But what Applegate really would love to see is this giveaway project replicated in other communities along the Wasatch Front. There are no start-up costs and Applegate and others work with the local school district to get the word out to parents and guardians.
In the meantime, she plans on helping with the giveaway for the foreseeable future. Students and parents will continue to need the help and there are many in south Davis County who have the means to give.
“This is the easiest event that makes such a difference in people’s lives,” Applegate said. “You don’t have to travel far. ... We have people in need outside our back door. And this event restores my faith in humanity. There are a lot of cool people.”
If you are interested in founding a back-to-school clothing and bedding giveaway in your community, contact Applegate by email at yapplegate@gmail.com.