Kimberly Kerschen, the director of Locker #505, is an Albuquerque mom on a mission! Locker #505 is New Mexico’s largest student clothing bank, providing students with free clothing, shoes, and more.
We talked with Kim about how her role as a mom has given her insight into serving the students in our community. She shared her best advice for moms, especially moms who might need a little extra help with clothing for this upcoming school year.
Though her boys are grown and have children of their own, Kim’s dedication to making an impact on students’ lives began when her own children were still in school. “I never knew what corner I might turn and see you,” her son told her, “I know I teased you about it, but I loved every minute you were around.”
Kim’s involvement with students started early in her career as a Speech and Language Pathologist at Albuquerque Public Schools. She left that job to stay home with her young children. She still found ways to be involved and immerse herself in her children’s and their peers’ activities. Kim became PTA President, President of a Little League, and got involved with Scouting. Through being involved in her children’s lives, she gained insight into how clothing influences students’ confidence.
“They certainly influenced my views of how clothing affects their self-confidence and their interaction with others,” said Kim. “New clothing that fits, is weather-appropriate, and in good condition can do wonders for anyone, but especially for children.”
In 2013, a student clothing bank that had served Albuquerque for over 60 years closed. Kim recognized that there was still a great need for this type of resource, so she founded Locker #505. This organization helps ensure that the children in our communities remain clothed and confident.
I asked Kim if she could tell Albuquerque moms one thing about Locker #505, what would it be? She replied, “We are here to help, not judge.” Kim urges parents to “allow Locker #505 to help your kids feel more confident.”
“You can come just once if things get rough, or year after year if necessary. Don’t let your pride get in the way of your child’s happiness and self-confidence. If your child is unable to dress themselves or isn’t interested in shopping, we can do a curbside service. You give us sizes and preferences, and we can pack a bag for them. You have 48 hours to exchange anything that doesn’t fit. Students can come to Locker #505 three times a year and receive a week’s worth of clothing. Let us help your children.”
Are you wondering how your student can access Locker #505?
“Students in need of clothing simply need to go to their school counselor or a social worker and ask for a referral,” Kim explained. “We don’t require financials or look at immigration status. We do ask that you only ask for assistance if your students need it; we want to make sure we have clothing for every child who needs it.”
If you’re still nervous about reaching out, Kim wants to reassure parents that it’s ok to ask for help. “We all have times we need help in one way or another; sometimes it’s emotional and sometimes material. You can call me at (505-294-1647) to talk about our services. We just want your child to be able to attend school with confidence and be comfortable.”
Besides clothing, Kim shared her best advice for helping our kids feel more confident. “Show them you care,” she said, “don’t just tell them.”
Kim gave us three tips (other than clothing) for helping students feel more confident:
- Talk to them. Ask open-ended questions, not just yes or no questions. Ask them how they feel (instead of telling them how they feel), and acknowledge their feelings (if they are feeling the feelings, the feelings are valid).
- Read to them (or let them read to you!).
- Spend time with them every day. Even if it’s just 5 minutes. Show up to the game, play, practices, or concert they are playing in (and don’t embarrass them).
Remember, “Your confidence in them helps them feel confident!”
Confident is exactly the word that describes how students feel when they leave Locker #505 with smiles on their faces and their heads held high. Kim has heard students leave Locker #505 with statements of excitement and joy:
“This is better than my birthday or Christmas!”
“I don’t have to share my toothbrush with my brother anymore!”
“I can go to school every day now and not be embarrassed. No one can make fun of me in these clothes!”
She also hears from parents and teachers who often send notes after their students get home or go back to school about how different their child/student is: “More confidence, more interaction.”
If your family is in a position to help Kim in her amazing mission to clothe students and help them feel their best, here’s how you can help:
“We want these children to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect,” Kim explained. “We accept everything from belts to prom dresses in sizes from 4 toddler to 7x in adults. If your child could still wear it because of no holes, no stains, and it’s in style with minimal wear and tear, that’s perfect!” Underwear and socks MUST be new, and remember, we see students in high school, so various styles are important. Locker #505 also accepts hygiene items, school supplies, gently used toys, books, and stuffed animals. “Hygiene items and school supplies are important, but we need them to be new.”
You can also make monetary donations through the Locker #505 website at: locker505.org. These donations help Locker #505 buy new underwear, socks, and shoes.
