Group that helps kids buy school clothes looking toward new year

L2 for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in central Nebraska that buys clothes for kids as a way to show them that someone cares. The program’s aim is to increase a child’s self-esteem and sense of well-being.

The group is active in several communities across Nebraska and are currently fund raising to prepare for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. 

Founder Henry Potter of Willow Island created L2 for Kids in 2011 with $14,000 in seed money that initially was raised to start a home for troubled boys. 

When the state of Nebraska decided not to use such homes, the money was re-directed into what is now L2 for Kids.

The L2 board invested the initial $14,000 in an endowment fund and uses only the interest, about $700 per year, for the actual program. 

To supplement this amount, and to increase the number of kids that can be helped, the board seeks other sources of income, including donations and grant funding.

The approach is to raise money and give it away, with 100 percent of the money donated going to the kids. Donations can also be made to a trust. 

Adults who help administer the program all are volunteers. Henry Potter is president of the seven-member L2 for Kids board and his wife, Pat Potter, handles the bookkeeping. 

Additionally, each town where the program operates has a council comprised of community members.

L2 for Kids recognizes many parents live paycheck to paycheck and believes no matter the reason, children should know they are cared for and that they can rise above their present circumstances, Potter said. 

“Once we saw how awesome it is to help kids, we wanted to share it, have it spread,” Potter said.  

The program has benefited children in Cozad, Gothenburg, Grant, North Platte, Cambridge area, McCook area, Arapaho, Hitchcock County and the Alma area. 

Children selected to receive clothing in the L2 for Kids program shop with a parent and volunteers to choose clothing they want and need. 

The only guidelines are the clothes must be school appropriate and sticking within a budget.

L2 for Kids is a partner agency of the United Way in North Platte, Lexington and Cozad.

For more information, visit L2 For Kids, Inc.’s web site at www.l2forkids.org or email them at clothesforyouth@L2forkids.org 

You can mail donations to: L2 for Kids, Inc., National Headquarters, 76311 Road 416, Willow Island, NE 69171.