UTICA, N.Y. – A local nonprofit is making a big difference in the lives of families across the area. Backyard Hope, an organization founded late last year, held its first open public event earlier today—providing free clothing, snacks, and hygiene products to people of all ages.
“Initially, we worked with agencies to bring clothes to kids,” said founder Danielle Padula. “As we gear up for summer, we just want to make sure kids have what they need outside of school. This is our first public event, and there’s such a need—especially for our youth—to have the basics around the summertime and holidays. We just want to alleviate that pressure from the parents if we can.”
The nonprofit collected items through donations and partnerships with various clothing agencies, offering everything from newborn outfits to adult-sized apparel. Today’s event marked a significant milestone for the organization, which has been steadily growing its impact since its inception.
Padula credited community support for the event’s success.
“I always have that fear that no one’s going to come or that we didn’t advertise enough,” Padula said. “But the Youth Bureau has been super supportive in getting their kids and families here, and it definitely shows today.”
While gathering enough donations to hold clothing drives like this takes time and effort, Padula says Backyard Hope is just getting started. Plans are already underway for a back-to-school event at the end of summer, with additional drives to help families prepare for winter.
