For the first time in its 50‑year history, the nonprofit Assisting Lives in Las Vegas delivered a duffle bag filled with clothing to every student at Cozine Elementary School in North Las Vegas. Over 550 children walked away with a package that included three pairs of pants, six shirts, six pairs of underwear, six pairs of socks, a hoodie, a blanket, a pair of shoes and a hygiene kit.
“It’s like Christmas,” said Diego, a third‑grader who opened his bag on campus. The excitement was palpable as volunteers handed out the bags, many of which were sized in coordination with parents to ensure a proper fit.
Community partnership fuels the effort
Assisting Lives has partnered with Cozine Elementary for years, providing food, school supplies and other forms of assistance. This year, the organization was able to expand its reach to cover every student, a milestone the group described as “going big or going home.” Boutique Chair Pam Foltz praised the volunteers, noting the joy on children’s faces when they opened the bags.
Principal Dr. Jodi Notch highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “We have so many kids that have a need, and for us, it gives them an opportunity to come to school prepared, ready to learn,” she said. By ensuring students have basic clothing and hygiene items, the school hopes to reduce distractions and improve academic focus.
Why the timing matters
The donation arrives as families across Nevada continue to face rising living costs. Providing essential clothing helps alleviate financial pressure on parents and supports the school’s mission to create a stable learning environment. The effort also aligns with the community’s emphasis on strong families and parental responsibility, values that underpin many local initiatives.
Assisting Lives chose Cozine Elementary in part because the school bears the name of longtime volunteer Linda Cozine, whose dedication to the organization spans decades. The symbolic connection reinforced the partnership’s sense of purpose.
Looking ahead
Volunteers and school staff hope the program can become an annual tradition, extending the reach of similar efforts to other schools in the region. “When you see the look on a child’s face, you know it’s worth every ounce of effort,” Foltz added.
Community members are encouraged to support Assisting Lives through donations or volunteer time, especially as the nonprofit plans future projects aimed at helping families across Clark County.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
