BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Belmont County Commissioners and the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services (BCDJFS) announced that they will, once again, be conducting a School Clothes for Kids Program (SC4K). The program will be offered at the Ohio Valley Mall. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funds will be available to serve children whose families are at or below 141% of the federal poverty level.
The program provides school clothes to approximately 1,500 Belmont County children each year and was implemented nearly a decade ago.
“I have witnessed the countless number of families and children this program has helped over the last eight years, and it is something that our residents are grateful for,” Commission President J.P. Dutton said. “The appreciation of the children is remarkable and the dedication of the entire JFS staff to make this program the success that it has become is satisfying.”
“The commitment that the JFS staff dedicate to this program each year is commendable,” said Commissioner Jerry Echemann. “They enjoy the extra work knowing it makes a real positive difference in a child’s life. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and their excitement shows the value of this program.”
“I have always looked forward to this program over the years. The families are grateful for the support given to their children who are just as excited to be wearing new clothes come this school year,” Commissioner Vince Gianangeli said. “Belmont County Job and Family Services has always been a leader in the state in administering the School Clothes for Kids program. It is one of the largest programs in all the counties. I am thankful that we can once again provide our families with this opportunity and appreciate the staff who work diligently making sure the program is successful.”
The application process will be conducted strictly online or by picking up an application at either JFS location. Applications may be printed from the Belmont County Job and Family Services website, www.BelmontCDJFS.com, or obtained from the JFS office at 68145 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville or the Ohio Means Jobs – Belmont County center at 302 Walnut Street, Martins Ferry.
Applications will be available beginning Wednesday, July 16th. Instructions will be available on the website as well as with the paper applications. The previous thirty (30) days of gross household income is needed for the entire household. Households with children ages 5–18 are eligible for this program. Children must be in kindergarten through the 12th grade for the 2025–2026 academic year. Pre-school, pre-kindergarten, home schooled or online schooled children are not eligible. Income standards will be posted on the website.
All needed verifications are to be returned with the application to expedite the eligibility determination. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility via mail. All eligible families will be assigned a shopping day at the Ohio Valley Mall. Children and their families can shop at any store on Ohio Valley Mall property that sells clothes and takes mall gift cards including stores inside the mall and those on the perimeter like Gabe’s and Rural King.
You may submit applications in the drop box located at the St. Clairsville JFS office, return them to the Ohio Means Jobs center in Martins Ferry, by U.S. mail to: BCDJFS, Attn: SC4K, 68145 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville OH 43950 or via email to Belmont-SC4K@jfs.ohio.gov.
The deadline to submit applications is 4:00 PM on Friday, July 25, 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
