New Kiski nonprofit stages clothing drive for young students

A new Kiski Township-based nonprofit hopes to make sure area children have proper clothing for the coming school year.

Karen McKendree started the nonprofit to help with the needs of local children. Christopher’s Light is named after McKendree’s 3-year-old son, who died of natural causes a number of years ago.

“I’ve been thinking about this for years,” said McKendree, who works in the Kiski Area School District.

“I see children coming to school with no winter coats, no gloves, clothing with holes and shoes that are torn,” she said. “We hope to provide for them.”

McKendree said donations of clothing have been coming in weekly from members of the community, but her group hopes to bolster those donations with a clothing drive this week.

The drive will take place Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northmoreland Park Activity Center, 280 Markle Road in Allegheny Township.

Residents can bring new or gently used clothing sized for newborn to adult-small, and new backpacks.

A rummage sale, basket raffles and a bake sale will be offered as well.

The event is sponsored by Unity Family Services.

Parents in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties can register their children for the clothing by calling 724-980-2840.

Christopher’s Light will distribute the clothing before the start of school on Aug. 23, according to McKendree.

Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Mary Ann at 724-226-4691, mthomas@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MaThomas_Trib.