Thursday afternoon, Allen Premium Outlets will host a clothing drive where people can donate new and gently used denim clothing. The clothing will then go to the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.
The center provides a "safe place to land" after abuse or another family crisis.
"We serve children and their families who have been victims of abuse or neglect right here in Collin County," says the center's Courtney Echols.
The organization says it served 3,888 people in 2021, including 2,288 children. Echols says the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County provides therapy and counseling to families, works with Family and Protective Services to interview kids who have been abused or neglected and offers education programs.
"Honestly, knowledge that we exist is more helpful than I think anyone recognizes," she says. "We are what our CEO calls the best kept secret in Collin County."
Echols says providing new clothing to kids can help them adjust to a change after a crisis and also help them focus on their schoolwork.
"We can provide clothing items for kids who, maybe, have never had new clothes," she says. "Maybe it's been a while since they've had clothes that fit them properly."
Allen Premium Outlets calls the event "Back To Cool." From 4-7 p.m., people can donate denim clothing in the common area next to Fossil.
Families can also hear music from DJ, Oontz Kids, participate in a children's art activity and balloon twisters. The first 150 people to attend will get a free Kona Ice, and visitors can register for a $300 gift card.
Echols says Allen Premium Outlets has become a strong partner to help people learn about the organization. She says the mall has provided space during one of the busiest times of the year as people finish back-to-school shopping.
"We could not do what we do without the support of the community," she says.
Details about the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County are available at www.caccollincounty.org/ . Stores and a map of Allen Premium Outlets are available at www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/allen .
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