Norman Nonprofit Helps Families Wash Kids' School Uniforms

A local nonprofit is hosting several back-to-school events this month to get kids geared up for their first day of school.

Sox of Love said they understand how important first impressions are, so they're helping Oklahoma families prepare for the upcoming school year.

Students at Norman Public Schools and the University of Oklahoma will be back in the classroom soon. Serenity Whitlock is going to the first grade. She said she is looking forward to seeing her friends.

“We like to play at the park, lunch and we like to go home. That's all we like,” Serenity said.

Her mom, Lyndsy Whitlock is getting her ready. The two stopped by a free laundry event to get Serenity's first day of school outfit all fresh and clean.

“It helps me because I get behind bad,” Whitlock said.

Barbara Drommond with Sox of Love said the cost to do laundry can add up quickly. She said this event helps people one load at a time.

“Not every child gets a brand-new outfit for the first day of school, but it's really important that every child gets a clean outfit for the first day of school,” Drommond said.

Without a clean outfit, Brenda Wilkins said some kids would stay home.

“We did see a trend toward more absenteeism with dirty clothes. Their bodies were clean, but their clothing was not. There's definitely a correlation between a lack of clean clothes and truancy,” Wilkins said.

To help families, the nonprofit also offers free books and school supplies along with many other things.

“We had to go get help with backups. I mean last year I was out probably $150 to $200 just on school supplies and this year I don't have it so it's definitely a blessing to have resources that you can use,” Whitlock said.

Sox of Love said they helped hundreds of families with their laundry events. They plan to continue doing this for the rest of the month.

EL RENO

Wednesday, Aug. 17

5:30 - 8:00PM

Best Laundry

1305 S. Choctaw

Saturday, Aug. 27

9:30am - 12:30pm

Spin City Laundry

5905 S. Western Ave