Roselina Cota and her Teen Closet “personal shopper,” Mary Ewald, shop at Target.
SBCO Teen Closet helps students dress in style
Nancy McCluskey-Moore
For the past 18 years, the SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) Teen Closet program has enabled students between the ages of 13 and 18 to purchase new clothing and school supplies. Students from San Manuel, Canada del Oro and Ironwood Ridge High Schools eagerly shop in Target and Ross with the assistance of a volunteer and a $200 budget. This year, the program was expanded to students from Superior and Ray who shopped at Walmart in Claypool (west of Globe) and Winkleman students who shopped in Oro Valley.
Eligible students enter the program their freshman year and if they meet program requirements, which include: six hours of community service, C or better grade average, good school attendance, and a meeting with their counselor each semester, they can participate during all four years of high school. Mimi Sander, Teen Closet program coordinator, works tirelessly with school counselors to ensure students meet these program requirements. Students shop twice a year, in July for the fall season and January for the spring. During the 2018-19 school year, 49 students shopped in the summer and 33 in January. In July 2019, 81 students purchased fall clothing and school supplies.
SBCO Teen Closet volunteers serve as the students’ “personal shoppers,” tracking their spending prior to check out, bringing alternate sizes of clothing to the dressing room, encouraging students to consider the fit and durability of clothing choices and offering advice about how to stretch their budget. The students appreciate the support and the volunteers delight in helping young people select clothing. Many of the students not only acquire the clothing and supplies they need for school, but also become smart shoppers, comparing prices and the assessing value of various items.
If you would like to volunteer for Teen Closet, please contact Mimi at 520-825-4557. In addition to helping students shop, volunteers can help contact school counselors, as well as students and other volunteers to set up shopping dates.
Volunteers modeled clothing and accessories hand-picked from the Golden Goose’s inventory in last year’s fashion show.
SBCO Sept. meeting to feature Golden Goose Fashion Show
Nancy McCluskey-Moore
Each year the SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) Fall Kick-off General Meeting features the popular “Golden Goose Fashion Show.” This year’s meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23 in the MountainView Ballroom. At the meeting, information will be provided about SBCO’s programs to provide food, clothing and educational opportunities for local children and how you can assist by volunteering your time and talents.
At this meeting, you will also see “cheap chic” clothing culled from the many donations received by the Golden Goose Thrift Store. Throughout the year, Betsy Lowry searches for runway-worthy clothing and coordinating accessories, from casual to formal wear. She also recruits Goose volunteers who are willing to serve as runway models.
Mark your calendar to attend this very popular event!
Each year Walkathon registrants walk the Ridgeview loop and then stop at the SaddleBrooke Clubhouse for a buffet breakfast.
Register now for the Walkathon!
Nancy McCluskey-Moore
The 23rd annual SaddleBrooke Community Outreach (SBCO) Walkathon will be held on Saturday, October 26. By participating in this fundraiser, you enhance the lives of many children in nearby communities. The funds raised support SBCO’s many programs, including Kids’ Closet, Teen Closet, educational opportunities, college scholarships and food donations to the Tri-Community Food Bank.
The Walkathon will begin at 7:40 a.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse parking lot with warm-up exercises led by Vital Moves. The Grand Marshal car will then lead the walkers to Ridgeview Blvd. Following a walk around Ridgeview Blvd. (or a shorter alternative route), participants will enjoy a breakfast buffet at the clubhouse.
The registration fee of $35 per adult and $18 per child (ages six through 18) covers the cost of a commemorative t-shirt and buffet breakfast. Talk to your neighbors about forming a unit Walkathon team. Walking with friends while raising funds to help students is a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Beginning on Tuesday, September 24, walkers can register in person every weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the SBCO office at Suite L in the Minit-Market plaza. Walkathon registrations also can be made online at community-outreach.org.