Changing lives one shirt at a time

Senior Bradley Sykes creates clothing drive for Eagle Scout project

Donations+for+Bradley+Sykes+Eagle+Scout+project+can+be+dropped+off+in+StuCo+room+G144.

Aanilela Rachal

Donations for Bradley Sykes’ Eagle Scout project can be dropped off in StuCo room G144.

As a part of his Eagle Scout project, senior Bradley Sykes is encouraging every school in the district to donate brand new clothes to Kyle’s Place. The clothes can be of any size to fit high school students. Sykes’ goal is to make more than 100 complete outfits from the donations, which should be dropped off in StuCo room G144 by Friday.

The non-profit organization Journey to Dream will then help distribute the clothing to its youth home, Kyle’s Place. Even though this project is temporary, Sykes has always had a desire to help his community by doing good deeds like starting a clothing drive.

“Journey to Dream is one of the only organizations in Denton County which helps many homeless teens and just teens in need in general,” Sykes said. “Kyle’s Place is the only teenage homeless shelter in Denton County so there is a great need for us to help them.”

While community members are simply donating clothes, they are changing lives by giving homeless students one less worry.

“There is enough stress in a child’s life to worry about where your next meal or where your bed is going to come from so I think that he is definitely helping them emotionally,” StuCo adviser Allison Stamey said.

Sykes is hoping to give homeless students the courage they need to get on their feet and take the steps necessary to have successful futures.

“Teens experiencing homelessness have a lot of worries and fears on their plate, likely more than the average teen,” Journey to Dream instructor Jillian Tappan said. “A new outfit or wardrobe provides these teens with a sense of outward confidence that equips them to strengthen their foundation and hope for the future. It may seem like a small thing but fitting in is a small step to improving their outlook on the future.”