ST. LOUIS, MO, June 28, 2012—Socks and underwear – imagine going without these everyday essentials. For the more than 140,000 children living in poverty in St. Louis, clean socks and underwear are a constant need. In partnership with Fifth Third Bank and Jim Butler Automotive Group, The Little Bit Foundation will launch the Seats and Feet Drive to collect undergarments for children in its sponsored schools. The week-long campaign will begin Friday, July 13, and culminate on Saturday, July 21, with an attempt to fill a Jim Butler-provided SUV to overflowing with donations.
“We are thrilled with the idea and support for this drive by our generous partners, Fifth Third Bank and Jim Butler,” says Rosemary Hanley, Executive Director of The Little Bit Foundation. “Socks and underwear are two of our most consistent needs, and we are hopeful for a major turnout by the St. Louis community to provide ample inventory for the next school year.”
During the week, donations of new, unopened packs of socks and underwear for children ages three to 15, as well as monetary contributions to Little Bit, can be made at any of the 15 Fifth Third Bank branches or four Jim Butler locations in the St. Louis area. Locations can be found at https://www.53.com/site/or http://www.jimbutlerautogroup.com/. On July 21 beginning at 11:00 a.m., the Fifth Third branch in Kirkwood, 366 S. Kirkwood Rd., will host a challenge to load a Jim Butler SUV to capacity with the week’s donations.
Founded in 2001, The Little Bit Foundation (www.thelittlebitfoundation.org) works to provide for the basic needs of disadvantaged children in the St. Louis area by partnering with local schools. In the 2011-2012 school year, the organization served more than 3,250 students in 14 St. Louis area schools, distributing over 35,200 essential items. The organization’s presence in the schools, working one-on-one with each child, combined with providing necessities such as clothing, undergarments, shoes and coats, creates a positive impact for personal growth, increases self-esteem and encourages a more focused, active learning environment.
