(Courtesy of Yad Leah) The entire class was counting down to Wednesday, the day of the big end-of-the-year trip, the highlight of fourth grade. But when the big day came, Avi was not there. He told his mom he had a stomach ache but he was really hiding under his blankets ashamed because he didn’t have sneakers, a bathing suit and a knapsack to carry his stuff.

No kid should be robbed of his childhood because he does not own clothes that fit.

No struggling breadwinner should be forced to skip a job interview, missing an opportunity to support his family, because he doesn’t have appropriate clothes for an interview.

No mother should need to decide between providing dental work or a warm jacket for her child.

Unfortunately, these difficult choices and life situations are the reality for many families in Israel.

In an effort to address these problems, Yad Leah will be hosting the annual MEGA Clothing Drive on Sunday, April 7. The entire community is encouraged to clean for Pesach with an eye toward helping others. The dress at the back of the closet that never quite looked right could be the perfect fit for a teenage girl desperate to fit in with her classmates. That nice top that is just a bit too tight has the potential to give the dignity needed to walk into school, shul or a job with pride and confidence.

All donations of excellent-quality infant through adult clothing are desperately needed as well as linens, towels, tablecloths, handbags, shoes, hair accessories and all outerwear.

Clothing will be sorted and shipped to 23 Yad Leah branches throughout Israel. Each branch is set up in an organized, neat, clean and inviting way, enabling families to obtain the clothing they need in a dignified fashion. Recipients include native Israelis as well as olim from North America, the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, India and Peru.

A monetary contribution is not required but a minimum $36 donation is encouraged to defray the cost of shipping and to ensure that the clothing reaches needy families as efficiently as possible. All clothing and monetary donations are tax-deductible.

The convenient drop-off locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ahavath Torah in Englewood, Teaneck Jewish Center in Teaneck, and Beth Abraham in Bergenfield.

Donate your new or gently used clothing on April 7: turn your clothing clutter into kindness and join the community in a meaningful display of achdut and support for Am Yisrael. For more information visit www.yadleah.org.