Jacksonville’s Sulzbacher Center homeless shelter is helping students start the school year with a new wardrobe.
The center is collecting donations so more than 100 homeless children can have a back-to-school shopping spree Aug. 12.
After the shopping trip, the center will host a Back-to-School Carnival, where students will get new backpacks filled with school supplies.
The Sulzbacher Center’s Linda Hemphill said a new wardrobe can build self-esteem, which helps students perform better in school.
“Coming into a shelter might be a little disconcerting, but because of the wrap around that starts with structure and love and support and activities, we have seen report card grades just soar,” Hemphill said.
Throughout the year, the center is home to about 60 children each day. It provides tutors and homework help to ensure students are progressing in school.
