White Plains Names in the News: Stephanie Roth

• Editor's Note: Thanks to  (WJCS) for this nomination. 

When Stephanie Roth learned that 12% of Westchester's children live in poverty, she decided to do something about it. She persuaded Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) to embrace her vision to create a program to collect children's clothing, shoes and baby essentials and recycle them free- of-charge to local families in need.

Recognizing the need for such an initiative, WJCS approached Board member Roy Stillman of Stillman Management who provided space for the endeavor in a building he manages in downtown White Plains.

As a result, Pass It On Kid’s Kloset opened officially in September 2011.

Since then Kid’s Kloset has served nearly 1,000 children – those whose families are struggling during the economic downturn, those who live in homeless shelters and those who have lost their homes to fires or other disasters. Families are referred via social workers, teachers and clergy.

Stephanie’s enthusiasm is contagious. She has influenced hundreds to participate in this all-volunteer effort from individuals who donate clothing, diapers and strollers; to retailers who provide new clothing; to organizations and schools who send volunteers to sort clothes and compile “Bags of Love,” a week’s worth of outfits.

Stephanie’s philosophy is simple: “By providing properly fitting shoes, winter coats, hats and mittens to those who otherwise would go without, we are helping to build confidence in children and relieve economic stress on their families.”

The assistance Kid’s Kloset provides has tremendous impact. As one Yonkers social worker said, “The mother whose children received the clothing was so overcome that she burst into tears. Thank you so much for making a difference in the lives of others.”  

Kid’s Kloset relies on the community for contributions of time, goods and funds. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can contact Stephanie at 914-831-7616 or kidskloset@wjcs.com. To learn more, go to www.wjcs.com/KidsKloset. 

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Are you a local mover and shaker? Are you an influential figure in White Plains, that has an effect on the city and its residents or know someone who is and deserves recognition?

Nominate them for our "White Plains Names in the New" feature! 

All you have to do is send an email to dina.sciortino@patch.com with a photo and answers to the questions below (please be sure to answer questions one through four).

• Name & Occupation
• How long have you lived in White Plains? What do you like most about this community?
• What community and civic organizations are you currently involved in?
• What drew you to your profession and what do you find most interesting about the work you do?
• What personal and professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
• Who is most influential in your life?
• What person—professionally or personally—do you most admire?
• What are key ways other people can make a difference locally?

Like us on  Facebook  (facebook.com/WhitePlainsPatch) and follow us on  Twitter (twitter.com/WhtPlainsPatch)