Clothes Less Traveled (CLT), the nonprofit thrift shop dedicated to fostering community growth through volunteerism and philanthropy, is proud to announce the awarding of $31,000 in scholarships to 16 outstanding student volunteers for 2024.
These scholarships are a testament to the dedication and hard work of students who have significantly contributed to the CLT mission by volunteering their time and energy. The recipients include three college students continuing their education, three students who received special recognition through the Dick and Jan Allis Scholarship Awards for volunteering the highest number of hours, and ten local high school students who have made a meaningful impact in their community through their service at the nonprofit thrift shop.
Reflecting on this achievement, Volunteer Manager Michelle Brown expressed her gratitude: “We are incredibly proud of our student volunteers. Their commitment to serving the community is inspiring, and it is our honor to support their educational journeys with these scholarships.”
CLT Board Chair of the Scholarship Committee Judith Sebastian adds, “Providing scholarships is truly a community effort. Every donation of gently used items, every purchase of quality thrifted goods, and every hour volunteered at our store contributes to making a difference. This is a wonderful way to give back to the young individuals who help sustain our mission.”
The scholarship program highlights the importance of volunteerism and education in fostering community development. By supporting these students, CLT aims to encourage a lifelong commitment to service and learning.
Future scholarship hopefuls should begin volunteering at the thrift shop as early as possible to accumulate the minimum 40 hours of volunteering requirement. Volunteers complete tasks such as: helping donors and shoppers, pricing and displaying merchandise, developing social media marketing, and other work supporting the nonprofit’s operations. At the beginning of each year, qualifying students from Fayette and Coweta Counties apply for scholarships by completing the online form, submitting official transcripts, and getting at least two letters of recommendation.
Since its inception 27 years ago, Clothes Less Traveled has remained steadfast in its mission of sharing God’s love by reinvesting proceeds from donations back into the community. Through various initiatives, including scholarship awards and grants to local charities, CLT has distributed over $8 million to support its cause.
For more information about Clothes Less Traveled, its scholarship program, and other impactful initiatives, please visit the website at: https://www.clotheslesstraveled.org.
