Cafe Zoë and WestBay Cleaners stage school uniform drive for Willow Oaks School

Emails Kathleen Daly, owner of Cafe Zoë: “Just around the corner on Willow Road is the Willow Oaks School, a Kindergarten to 8th grade elementary school in the Ravenswood School district. A few years ago the school adopted a school uniform policy. Students are required to wear a white shirt and navy blue pants/shorts to school everyday. Research suggests that there are academic, social and economic factors that support and enhance the educational experience of younger students by requiring school uniforms.

“However, not all families can financially absorb the cost. A few years ago, we initiated a donation drive to help the families. We are seeking donations to include cash, gift cards and gently used white shirts and blue pants. $7 will buy a child a new white shirt; $13-15 will buy a pair of pants. The school will assist in making sure the clothing is distributed appropriately.

“We have begun to shop for the clothing and are confident we can find what we need at Old Navy, Target, Sears, and Macys, as well as online if needed. The white shirts can be button-down, collared, non-collared, polo. Blue pants/shorts should be trouser style, not jeans. All donations can be dropped off at Cafe Zoë or or WestBay Cleaners where they will be sorted and distributed to the school.”