CHESTERFIELD SCHOOLS TURN JEANS INTO JOBS AND EARN CASH PRIZES
October 14, 2019Pictured above: Ben Pearson-Nelson, President of Chesterfield Counsel of PTAs; Lauie Van Cleve- Clover Hill PTSO; Tara Armitage, Clover Hill PTSO; John Philips, Principal of Clover Hill High School; Russ Rainer, Goodwill Donor Development Manager
A Youth-Oriented, Community-Supporting, Environmentally Friendly Event.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia just completed its 11th annual Big Denim Drive with Chesterfield County Public Schools, collecting nearly 8,000 pairs of jeans for Goodwill to re-sell to support its mission. Clover Hill High School held its title as the top competitor for the fourth consecutive year, collecting 1,838 pairs of jeans and winning prize money for the school.
This community event enables residents of Chesterfield County and Goodwill to turn jeans into jobs while raising funds for Chesterfield County Public Schools and Parent Teacher Associations.
During the Big Denim Drive, schools compete to collect used jeans and other denim items. Proceeds from the sales of denim in Goodwill’s retail stores fund job training and career development programs throughout central and coastal Virginia. In 2018, Goodwill’s programs served6,868 job seekers, provided 1,644 job placements and helped 410 people earn career credentials.
The drive also raises awareness of the “greening” of blue jeans that are recycled and repurposed for a good cause, and it gives local public schools the ability to win cash prizes for discretionary needs.
Denim not sold in stores is processed by textile recyclers, ensuring a “green” end to the life cycle of the blue jeans donated. Last year, Goodwill kept more than 40,000,000 pounds of donated goods from entering landfills.
