Families seek help with school uniforms as need surges in Duval; nonprofit asks for donations

As the new school year begins, some Duval County families say they’re struggling to afford school uniforms, and local advocates warn that the need is keeping students out of class. Parents at Westside High School told News4JAX the dress code requires polos with the school logo and, this year, khaki or black slacks or skirts. For families who can’t buy new clothes, that change has become a barrier to attendance. One local nonprofit, The Giving Closet Project, reports that requests for help have increased to the hundreds this month, with most of the students it serves attending Duval County Public Schools.