Clothing distribution targets teens
By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor
The Teen Closet, operated by teen volunteers and staff at the Community Technology Center Hawai'i, is opening this month to assist youths and families in need.
Kevin Dayton • The Honolulu Advertiser
Used clothing is being collected at the technology center at the Waiakea Square Warehouse on Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo. Distribution will be done on the last Saturday of each month, with Oct. 30 scheduled for the Teen Closet's debut.
Barbara Radford, left, and Shawnda Silva sort clothes for the Teen Closet, a program set up to distribute clothes to needy teenagers, younger children and adults. Radford learned of the need for clothing for youths through discussions with officials at nonprofit agencies.
Barbara Radford, a managing partner of the Community Technology Center, said clothing for teens, younger children and adults is being accepted, although the emphasis is on teenagers.
Radford and her daughter, Felicia Tahutini, 14, are one of several mother-daughter teams volunteering on the Teen Closet project.
Tahutini said she is helping out because of the large number of low-income families in East Hawai'i. "Sometimes the teenagers don't have enough money to get what is suitable for school," said the Waiakea High School student.
Linda Paisley of Waimea heard about the Teen Closet and thought it would be an opportunity for her 14-year-old daughter Lauren to do community service for others her age.
"It's a good cause because it relates to the needs of students. In terms of clothing, teens are sometimes left out (of other assistance efforts). Parents are always interchanging clothes and there are hand-me-downs for younger kids, but I don't hear so much about the teens having that opportunity," she said.
Donations of clothing are accepted weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Distribution events will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on the last Saturday of each month. Call the Community Technology Center Hawai'i at (808) 934-7748.
Radford said the Teen Closet is looking for more teen volunteers.
To give
The technology center opened in December, offering computer training and technical support. The center also offers discounted classes for senior citizens, the disabled and teenagers, and assists the county in its computer recycling program. Radford said the center has worked with many nonprofit agencies, and in talking with agency officials she learned of the need for clothing for youths. She said there are several thrift stores in the Hilo area, but no place where clothing is available for free.
There are no forms to fill out to qualify for the free monthly distributions. The amount of clothing to be given out to each teen will be determined by inventory, which looks to be abundant, at least for the first distribution, Radford said. Teens also will be able to take home items for their younger siblings.
Reach Christie Wilson at (808) 244-4880 or cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.
