HISTORY

 

For over 88 years, The Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association has served our community with the motto: “No Evanston child should miss a single day of school for need of warm, sturdy clothing.” In 1930, Evanston school superintendent James Skiles asked school physician Mary Baird to investigate why large numbers of children in the city were absent from school. After conferring with the visiting nurse and truancy officer, Baird concluded that children were missing school because of a lack of clothing, especially shoes. With these findings, local parent-teacher associations enlisted support and in 1931 founded the Evanston School Children’s Aid Society to help clothe Evanston’s children in need. Eighty-eight years, two name changes and five location changes later, ESCCA is still providing children with clothing for school.
   
Over the years we have had our headquarters for sorting and distributing clothing at various Evanston elementary schools, as well as in the coachhouse of the old District 65 property on Asbury. Since 2002, we have been thrilled to operate our beautiful clothing center from the District headquarters at 1500 McDaniel in Evanston.

We have clothed thousands of children with the help of countless volunteers and contributors. Through the generations ESCCA has evolved, while our mission and support has remained steadfast. We invite and encourage you to help us in any way you can.
 

2026/ 2027 OFFICERS

 

Presidents: Allison Hackney and Julie Jensen
1st Vice Presidents: Natascha Freeman and Bridget Nelson
2nd Vice President: Kelly Siddiqui
3rd Vice President: Laura Hohnhold
Treasurer: Cindy Hicks          
Secretary: Carolyn Myszkowski

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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Kristin Dow - Volunteer Coordinator

Tanya K. Brown- Volunteer Coordinator 

Elaine Darer - CRM & Referral tracking

Mara Siler-Price - Supervisor Team Leader

Emily Erickson - Health Clerk Liaison

Madeleine Cusick - Facilities Assistant

Cydney Crain Post - Business Partnerships

Sally Lynch - Purchasing (shoes)

Mary Cox - Purchasing (pants)

Sacha Krasney - Purchasing (pants)

Carolyn Myszkowski - Purchasing (coats) 

Diane Kastman - Recipient Scheduling

Diane Wright - Recipient Scheduling

Iden Nowlin - Recipient Scheduling

Valerie Velho- Marketing Team & Social Media

Julie Zare - Marketing Team & Social Media

Susan Roche - Marketing Team & Pumpkin Patch

Sharon Enochs - Funds Controller

Jill Royce - Fundraising

Kristin Avery - Fundraising

Enid Shapiro - Member at Large

Linnea Mead - Member at Large