Franklin County Foster Teens Get New Clothes

Many teenagers express who they are through their clothes. But for teens in foster care, getting new clothes is a luxury. Two non-profits came to Columbus, Friday, looking to change that. The organizations are on a 16-city tour this summer to outfit thousands of teenagers in foster care with brand new digs. On the Columbus stop, Rebecca, 15, is excited to go through the Threads for Teens mobile “boutique." One by one, she looks through all the shirts. “Oh, that is so cute!" Rebecca exclaimed. “I don’t remember the last time I went shopping. It’s been a long time.â€? Dozens of girls in Franklin County foster care received an outfit, a pair of shoes and some accessories. The clothes are free. Allyson Ahlstrom, from California, created Threads for Teens four years ago. “We have some really great clothing donors. It’s all brand new which I really think it helps for the girls because they’re not used to getting new clothing," she said. Together We Rise gave the boys shirts, underwear, socks and hats. Danny Mendoza, of California, formed the organization in 2008. “Clothes is a big part of everybody’s life," he said. "And when you’re a teenager and you’re bouncing around from home to home, you don’t get much.â€? One-hundred Franklin County teens in foster care got new clothes through the program.