Upon learning that children from certain socio-economic bankgrounds often go without underwear, one woman from Denver decided to do what she could to change all that.
Recalling the conversation, Koree said: "His family hadn't much money when he was growing up, and he told me how excited he would feel when they got bags of donated clothes with barely used underwear."
Concerned that this could still be the case for many children today, Koree sprung into action and enlisted the help of co-workers at the law firm where she works. They formed a non-profit organisation named Underwearness which exists through charity drives, donations and fundraising events.
Since its inception in recent years, the organisation has collected more than 90,000 pairs of underwear which has in turn provided 15,000 children with six pairs each.
Commenting on the importance of mum Koree's endeavour, the development manager of Denver Children's Home, Nadine Gunzer, said: "Kids often come here with nothing but the clothes on their back-sometimes hospital clothes. So getting new underwear that they're allowed to keep is so meaningful to them."
Discussing the effect that not owning their own underwear can have on a child, a teacher, whose students have benefitted from Underwearness, said: "A child without underwear will be ridiculed in a school locker room, or avoid it altogether. Underwear can help restore their self-worth, confidence and happiness."
Congratulations to Koree and her colleagues for their worthwhile endeavour.
