MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Christ Child Society Clothing Center will open for the new school year and have free clothes for children up to 14 years old on Wednesday, August 7, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Center officials say the free clothing includes new winter coats, gloves and hats, new jeans, leggings or joggers, shirts, uniform pants and shirts, underwear, socks, and new athletic shoes. 

Infants will receive a tote bag full of clothing, blankets, a hand knit sweater set, and baby supplies.

The Center will be open every Wednesday through mid-December, along with five Sunday afternoons and nine Thursday evenings, to accommodate the 5,000 children in St. Joseph County.

Each family will leave with large bags full of clothing, a book for each child, and dental supplies.

Officials say families at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for clothing. 

Families can obtain a referral form from one of over 30 agencies, including Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, and WIC, as well as South Bend, Mishawaka, PHM and Catholic and private schools in St. Joseph County. 

A complete list of referral agencies can be found here.

The Center is located at 2366 Miracle Ln. in Mishawaka in the Town and Country Shopping Center.