BILLINGS — The Salvation Army of Yellowstone County has been doing its Dress-A-Child Program for over 35 years.
Dress-A-Child began in the 1980s as an effort to provide warm clothing to school aged children in grades Kindergarten through six.
Parents provide transportation for their children to a Billings Walmart location early in the morning on a weekend in November and December. Volunteers take the children shopping to buy $125 worth of clothing per child.
Parents report their love for the program, as sometimes clothing becomes a last priority when it comes to paying bills, staying housed and buying food for a household.
Children express delight as they get to pick clothing items in their own style and favorite color hues.
The Salvation Army is inviting parents to come into their office located at 2100 6th Avenue North to apply for their children during office hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m..
Parents need to bring in photo identification for adults and birth certificates, social security cards, school identification cards or Medicaid cards as identification for children.
Parents also need to bring a piece of mail as a proof of address for Yellowstone County residence. There are no income restrictions this year. Foster parents are encouraged to apply and can bring in proof of their foster placement.
Priority will be given to children who have never been dressed through the Dress-A-Child program. After parents apply, they will receive a letter in the mail that will tell them if their child or children have been chosen. If chosen, the letter will tell parents the location and date of their child’s shopping spree.
The Salvation Army is hoping to dress 250 kids this year.
The deadline to sign up for Dress-A-Child has been extended to Tuesday, October 8 by 3:30pm.
