Schools in Chilton County are participating in a “Spring Into Giving” clothing drive from now until April 22 to benefit Raleigh’s Place Clothes Closet.

Miss Jefferson State Hannah Tierce came up with the idea for the clothing drive after seeing the clothes closet at Raleigh’s Place and wanting more clothes to be donated.

“When I saw the clothes closet, I thought of different ways we could make it grow,” Tierce said. “I figured that people have a ton of clothes they would probably be willing to donate, and it would help the clothes closet grow so I decided a clothing drive would be best.”

Raleigh’s Place is a Christian-centered home and camp for children who are temporarily or permanently removed from their homes.

The ministry offers homes, a summer camp for children in foster homes or institutional settings, and a mentor program for children who have participated in the camp.

Tierce met with members of the Chilton County Board of Education and heard from each school’s principal about how the clothing drive could be the most efficient.

“It was a good discussion about ways we could do everything,” Tierce said. “I was able to hear some really good feedback about how things would probably work well for the schools and ways we could implement everything.”

Drop off sites for new or gently used clothing are currently at all of the county schools.

After speaking with the Chilton County Board of Education, Tierce said Chilton County Superintendent of Education Tommy Glasscock agreed to let the school that donates the most articles of clothing select a student to throw a pie in his face.

“I was definitely surprised that he agreed to that, but it gives good motivation for those wanting to donate,” Tierce said.

Tierce said any modest clothing will be accepted including newborn sizes to teenagers.

“Socks, pants, shirts, belts, or really anything would be great to have,” Tierce said.

Tierce and her mom, Mara Tierce, travel to each of the schools periodically to pick up the clothes, wash and dry them, and take them to Raleigh’s Place.

“So far, we have had a wonderful outpouring of support,” Mara Tierce said. “Students at Isabella Schools have already donated about 1,500 items of clothing. It has been great to see.”

Jefferson State Community College Chilton-Clanton campus is also participating in the clothing drive.

Mara Tierce said the clothing drive is not just for students and anyone in the county is welcome to donate clothes to the school of their choice.

For more information about the clothing drive, contact the front office of local schools or visit RaleighsPlace.org.