LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools held its "Take What You Can Tote" event Dec. 7 through its Clothing Assistance Program, providing families with clothes, appliances, holiday gifts and more. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jefferson County Public Schools held its "Take What You Can Tote" event Dec. 7 through its Clothing Assistance Program

  • About 250 families in need received clothes, appliances, holiday gifts and more through CAP's warehouse 

  • CAP has helped more than 3,000 children since July, said Justin Willis, CAP coordinator 

  • Items were donated from various community partners that support CAP all year long

Bags were bursting as families took what they could. 

“I am getting school supplies for my children, Christmas gifts and clothing for my kids,” said Laqueta Robertson, JCPS parent.

Robertson said she needed a little extra help this year.

“My mother passed away in October of last year, and my husband's father passed away, so we didn't get as much help like we normally would get," Robertson said. "So this is a true blessing. I'm trying not to cry, but this is a true blessing for my children." 

Robertson shopped for her four children, picking out shoes, school supplies and appliances for free.

“If I would've went to the store to try to get this, I would have spent thousands of dollars,” she said.

She was joined by about 250 families who registered for the event and got help from dozens of volunteers.

“It is just amazing to see their smiles, to know that you're doing something good for someone else and that you're really making the difference, a real difference,” said Adrian Ford, volunteer.

Items were donated from various community partners that support CAP all year long, making this event possible for roughly a decade.

“This just gives a little bonus, a little perk to something to take home," said Justin Willis, CAP coordinator. "You can keep it. You can give it to somebody you love, whatever. But we've got it to share, and this is a good time of year to do it." 

It’s not just holiday help, as CAP provides for families in need all year long.

“It's just amazing how people are coming together to help someone," Robertson said. "And when I get on my feet, I will be donating to CAP." 

The program is always accepting donations, with its warehouse open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Willis said it's best to reach out before contributing. 

CAP has already helped more than 3,000 children since July and expects that to double by the end of the school year, Willis added.

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