POWERGRAMS

40 or gently used uniforms. She collected items for two months and donated them to the church for distribution. "We spent two Saturdays giving out uniforms," said Lee, adding that 10 kids received uniforms that year. After one of her grandchildren told her about a classmate whose feet hurt because his shoes were too small, Lee realized she could do more. That led her to add shoes to the uniform drive in 2017. This past summer, Lee made the uniforms complete by giving each child a belt she bought. Lee hand- delivered the items to each family, giving the project a more personal touch. "Some of the mothers didn't have transportation to our church, and others were shy about asking for help," she said. Every year, Lee has received more donations of new or used uniforms from parents and others in the community who have learned about her project. Before this school year began, Lee provided bags of uniforms to 22 students – nine of whom were from two families. The children each received five uniforms, one for each day of the school week, and one or two pairs of shoes. Lee bought school supplies for a family with four kids because she knew the mother was carrying a heavy financial burden. Now Lee is collecting donations of clothes, other than uniforms, that children can wear outside the classroom. "I've had so many people say they love what I'm doing, and they want to know how they can help," Lee said. "This project really makes me feel like I'm doing God's work by helping his children." By Carla Davis Lee folds uniform pants for Atmore children. Photo by Patrea Danley

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