EDITOR’S NOTE: This column was written by Margaret K. Look, a columnist for The Post-Journal newspaper in Jamestown, NY, and appeared in the paper’s November 9 edition. Margaret is a former member of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors.

“Back to school” means getting new clothes as well as notebooks, pens and pencils, then showing them to classmates on the first day of school. Imagine the heartache of a disabled child whose parents can’t afford to purchase these things.

His desire to “belong,” to look like the others, is shattered completely. Also, he may not have adequate winter clothing.

This year the Look Good Fund met the needs in just such a situation. It was one of the 57 examples of how the fund fulfilled its purpose of providing clothes and services, such as eyeglasses and personal care, not available elsewhere.

When Danielle Flagg’s three sons went shopping for school clothes, they chose bright-red shirts as well as the favorites of many other children — outfits featuring Spiderman, flames and dragons. But Danielle's daughter, Jaycee, chose a white turtleneck for cool weather, as well as one with stars on it. Like many little girls, Jaycee also prefers things in pink and purple.

Besides buying four outfits of shirts and pants for each child, Danielle bought shoes. When I complimented Danielle on being a very discerning shopper and getting a lot for the money, she said she knows how to “stretch the pennies.”

We appreciate this very much and are very happy that these children will feel comfortable in school, knowing they are just like their classmates.

Bradley and Jaycee, the 5-year-old twins, and Nathaniel go to Fletcher Elementary School in Jamestown; Dillon attends Jefferson Middle School. TRC provides auxiliary services to the children.

This is just one case where a little help means a great deal in personal esteem as well as comfort.

Every year since its founding in 2001, the Look Good Fund has assisted more people, with the largest increase during 2006 to 2007 when 57 received work clothes, winter clothes, haircuts, and shoes, an increase of 18 over the previous year.

I started this fund because I have known people with disabilities who didn’t have the money to buy the proper clothes, to get a hair cut, or even small incidentals. It is these small things that make a person look better and feel better, that give him confidence in a world which often judges on appearances.

The fund is administered by the staff of TRC Foundation. The Resource Center’s Social Services Department supervises the distribution of money for the purchases.

Comments may be sent to mklook@montana.net or P O. Box 519, Nye, MT, 59061.

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If you would like to help us, donations may be sent to The Look Good Fund, TRC Foundation, 880 E. Second Street, Jamestown. NY 14701. The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization, so gifts are tax deductible. Phone (716) 661-1492.