First Interstate awards $5K to Clothe a Child

The Kroc Center was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from First Interstate Bank to support its Clothe a Child program, which will provide new clothes for local youth this year.

First Interstate Bank has been a longtime supporter of The Kroc Center’s Clothe a Child program, which allows local children to purchase $150 of new clothing for school, seasonal changes and sporting activities.

“This is an amazing and generous grant," said Community Outreach and Education Coordinator Jules Cosby. “Since August, we have already received requests from over 60 kids for back-to-school and winter clothing, and we expect many more requests to come in throughout the coming year.” 

This year, the Clothe a Child program has undergone significant changes. Previously, it was a single fall event where multiple families shopped on the same day at one location. Now, families can apply for shopping opportunities year-round, choose the stores that carry the clothes they need most, and shop as individual families with support from Kroc staff and volunteers. Children of all ages, including often-overlooked high schoolers, are now eligible to participate.

Laszlo Suto, First Interstate Bank VP commercial relationship manager, has served on The Kroc Center’s Advisory Board for seven years and is the incoming president.

“I am proud to be part of an organization that recognizes the importance of The Kroc Center as a community resource,” said Suto. “They not only contribute financially but also support my involvement by allowing me to contribute my time and expertise."

For information about Clothe a Child, contact Jules Cosby at 208-763-0679 or jules.cosby@usw.salvationarmy.org.