BOUNTIFUL—August marks the beginning of school and kids and parents are shopping for those new back-to-school necessities but not everyone has that option. One woman has made it her mission to help those kids feel like everyone else on that first day. 

Yvonne Applegate started the Universal Closet where families can come and pick out free clothing, bedding and towels for everyone, including adults. 

“It has been a rough few years for everyone,” said Applegate. “Rent, groceries, gas and the cost of everything else has skyrocketed. Even with two working parents, it is harder and harder to get by. Let us help you this year with free gently used clothing for the whole family as well as bedding and towels.”

New socks and underwear will be passed out at the door to each child in the family while supplies last, she said. “Know your children’s sizes if they don’t come.”

Items in the closet come from donations in the community and volunteers help to sort and work at the event.

The free store will be on Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at South Davis Junior High School, 298 W. 2500 South, Bountiful in the gym at the back of the school.