Dress-A-Child provides gift cards

Dress-A-Child completed its 2025 program Tuesday, Aug. 12, with the distribution of Kohl's gift cards to qualified applicants.

The program held in-person application interviews in July at three locations in Tuscarawas County, marking the first in-person interviews since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Federal poverty guidelines were used to determine eligibility.

A total of 1,053 children from 461 families were registered. Uhrichsville accounted for 88 families and 212 children — Dover, 184 families and 401 children — and New Philadelphia, 189 families and 440 children.

Funding for the 2025 program reached $126,918.50. Donations included $45,000 from two individual benefactors, along with grants of $5,000 from the Reeves Foundation and $2,500 from the Moomaw Foundation. Additional contributions came from individuals, churches, companies and local service groups.

Each qualifying child received a $120 Kohl's gift card to purchase new school clothing. Kohl's provided a volume discount, with the savings reserved for next year's program. Gift cards were distributed at the application sites the same day, Aug. 12.

Alongside the six regular committee members at each site, community volunteers — including interpreters — helped with both the interview and distribution process.

The youth-led group Sole Purpose, from Dover First Moravian Church, also participated. With adult supervision, Sole Purpose provided shoe vouchers worth $40 each, redeemable at Shoe Dept. in New Towne Mall. About 1,000 vouchers were distributed to Tuscarawas County students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Additional vouchers will be sent to local schools at the start of the school year so teachers and staff can provide them to children in need.

Sole Purpose raises money year-round through a pancake breakfast, auctions and donations from local clubs, businesses and church members.

Donations, made payable to Dress-A-Child, are always welcome and may be sent to Becky Mastin at 1210 Winkler Drive, Dover, OH 44622.