Dr. Phillips Charities launches the C.O.O.L.F.I.T. (Clothing Orange & Osceola Learners of Families In Transition).  This program provides new back-to-school clothing to approximately 6,500 homeless students (meeting McKinney-Vento standards) from 1st grade thru 12th.

Approximately 60,000 units of top-selling Levi’s brand apparel – including jeans, khakis, cargo shorts, polo tops and graphic tees – have been purchased by Dr. Phillips and will be distributed to children registered as homeless through the school system.

On August 20th, as students return to school, qualifying students will be discreetly identified by their school’s Homeless Education Liaisons and given a C.O.O.L.F.I.T. Clothing Voucher to complete.  Each liaison will then develop a “Master School Voucher” and return it to Dr. Phillips for fulfillment. 

Clothing will then be pulled from the Dr. Phillips distribution center-packaged-and delivered back to the liaisons for distribution to students.

All Orange and Osceola public schools (approximately 270) are participating in this program and have provided invaluable guidance and assistance in developing this far-reaching initiative.

 “This was not a one-size-fits-all endeavor; and the complexity of shopping for 6,500 children was challenging, but the opportunity to fill an unmet need in our community motivated us all to step up to the challenge and make a difference” said Jim Hinson, Chairman of the Board of Dr. Phillips.