Clothing giveaway helps parents with back-to-school costs

Nearly four hours before the doors were set to open, people were lined up in front of Sun Youth this morning to take advantage of a program aimed at offsetting costs for parents of school-aged children.

The program, an adult clothing giveaway, lets parents leave with about $250 worth of news clothes, money that Sun Youth hopes that they’ll then spend on supplies their children will need for the new school year.

Last year, more than 3,000 people turned up for the annual clothing distribution.

This year, the organization expects to see at least that many again.

"It shows you the great need there is in Montreal," said Sid Stevens, Sun Youth’s executive vice-president.

Sun Youth has been running the new clothing giveaway for 10 years, driven by donations from local companies and festivals.

The distribution starts at 9 a.m. today at Sun Youth on St-Urbain and runs until 3 p.m. Anything that is still left after today will be offered up during the same time period tomorrow.

"Everyone is welcome to come in who is in need," Stevens said.

Sun Youth is asking anyone who attends to bring two pieces of identification and proof of income.