Back to Basics

The Back to Basics Uniform Program, established in 2001, provides over 20,000 New School Uniforms annually to Palm Beach County Elementary and Middle School Children at the start of each school year. In 2023 we provided 21,600 new uniforms. Working directly with 60 of the neediest schools, the Uniform Program makes a life changing impact on the lives of underprivileged children in Palm Beach County. This Program is a critical part of empowering students through their appearance. It ensures that children from low-income families are not excluded or stigmatized because of their clothing. Through these ongoing efforts, we strive to create a level playing field in education and provide opportunities for a brighter future. Our goal is to double the number of uniforms over the next 3-5 years.

The Back to Basics Angel Program, established in 1984, provides students with NEW sneakers, socks, underwear and a toy, for the holidays. Back to Basics provided the four promised Angel gifts to 10,215 children in Palm Beach County in 2023. For many of these children, this may be the only gift that they received for the holidays. The Angel Program is supported in part by the community. Back to Basics depends on the generosity of churches, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals in our community to adopt children each year to provide these gifts. This year 5,587 children were adopted by the community, who shopped for, wrapped and returned the gifts to our warehouse. Back to Basics provided the gifts in-house for the remaining 4,628 children. Our goal is to significantly increase the number of children adopted by the community.