http://news.michiganradio.org/post/p...stores?nopop=1
Foster children in Michigan would use their state-funded clothing allowance only in thrift stores under a plan suggested by State Senator Bruce Caswell.
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"I never had anything new," Caswell says. "I got all the hand-me-downs. And my dad, he did a lot of shopping at the Salvation Army, and his comment was -- and quite frankly it's true -- once you're out of the store and you walk down the street, nobody knows where you bought your clothes."
Gilda Jacobs is CEO of the Michigan League for Human Services. She’s not a fan of the thrift shop gift card idea.
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Caswell says the gift card idea wouldn’t save the state any money.
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So what happens when there is nothing that fits a kid? What if there aren't enough winter items in stock or some other seasonal issue? Where can they buy undergarments and socks? There's also the issue of not having a store nearby or the ability to get to one. I'm not against second hand, thrift, and hand me downs, I'm just not in agreement of it being the only option and mandated.
The statement that it isn't even cost saving is telling. I worked for a company that routinely highly discounted or gave away items for kids and adults, as well as employees and customers making donations and it wasn't always more expensive than second hand.
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