Oklahomans Helping Fill Soldier's Closets

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands of military families will be receiving basic necessities thanks to the generosity of Oklahomans.

The YMCA conducted a statewide collection of clothes and shoes from their gyms and offices to help families at Fort Sill to fill the soldier's closets.

For those with limited income, military moms are able to go to The Soldier's Closet and shop for dresses, children's clothing and shoes for free.

One of those moms was Aleisha Ross from Kentucky. She has two young children and she said she has had trouble getting back on her feet.

"When we first moved to Oklahoma, this is our first duty station. As a military spouse you have to decide what you can or cannot bring," Ross said.

But what Ross had to leave behind, she was able to pick up from The Soldier's Closet. It's the reason why YMCAs all across the state organized clothing drives for The Soldier's Closet.

"We help take the wonderful gifts from individual and say, 'Hey take some nice clothes, pictures, pots, plates and furniture,' and we provide a store for them, and they come visit free of charge and help set up their house," said Bill Vaughan, Lawton YMCA Armed Services Executive Director.

Ross said without the group's help, starting over would have been a struggle.

"Some families would do without school clothes. For an average child, it's $200 or $300 for school clothes to go back to school. With this families are going to be able to get fairly new clothes or gently used clothes for nothing," Ross said.

Ross said she was overwhelmed by all the donations and support.

"Knowing we're not alone, it makes you feel good and knowing that they understand what you're going through is really helpful," Ross said.

The Soldier's Closet has helped 20,000 families since it opened in 2004.