JONESBORO, Ark. — Dillard’s department store in Jonesboro is appealing to the community for sponsors to help provide new clothing to foster children through its annual Style-A-Student event.
The program, organized in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, connects foster children with sponsors who shop for school clothing. This year, around 80 foster children are enrolled, but 25 still need sponsors, store manager Will Via confirmed.
Community members can participate by selecting a sponsorship card available at the store. Each card lists details such as the child’s age, clothing sizes, and favorite colors, while maintaining the anonymity of the child. Via compared the setup to well-known holiday giving programs like the angel tree.
“We have cards that provide the children’s ages, some of their favorite colors, their sizes—everything along those lines,” said Via.
According to Via, many foster children begin the school year with limited clothing. He emphasized the positive impact of the program, sharing memories of past years when families expressed gratitude for the support. Last year’s event included two carloads of donated items.
“Just to see their expression—it’s very nice,” Via noted.
Interest in the program appears to have grown, with returning sponsors such as church groups, local organizations, and retirees participating year after year, according to Via.
“People ask, ‘Are you doing it again? When are you doing it?’ That just shows how giving this community is,” he added.
The Style-A-Student event continues through Tuesday, Aug. 1. Sponsors can shop in-store at Dillard’s in Jonesboro or purchase clothing elsewhere and drop it off at the store for distribution.
“You come out, you select the children that you want. Once you do sponsor that child, you can shop through our store. We’ll get the merchandise to the children,” Via explained.