Operation Blue Jeans
When: 14 p.m., Saturdays July 11 and Aug. 15; Tuesdays and Thursdays July 14 through Aug. 13. 
Where: Come to 3185 North 10th St. and enter through door #6 in the courtyard.
Who is eligible:

• Children from low-income families
• Pre-K – Children (age 3 and up) enrolled in a local pre-k or Head Start for the upcoming fall
• Elementary – Children enrolled in a local elementary school for the upcoming fall
• Middle School – Children enrolled in a local middle school for the upcoming fall ‍
  

Items provided:

• 2 pairs of blue jeans
• 1 pair of tennis shoes
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 5 pairs of socks
• 1 hoodie (middle school children only)
• 1 backpack
• 1 Bible

How it works:

• No appointment is needed. Just walk right in!
• First come, first served.

What to bring: 

• Your kids! In order to ensure we are able to see as many kids as possible, we will only serve 3 children per family per day. If you have more than 3 eligible children in your family, you may bring the additional children on a different program day.
• Social Security cards for each child AND the parent or legal guardian
• ID for the parent or legal guardian
• Amount of monthly household income
• Amount of monthly food stamp assistance
• 1 can of food per child to fill our pantry and help others in our community

By Loretta Fulton

Every year since 1967, Operation Blue Jeans has provided kids a headstart on school–and life–with new clothes, a backpack, and a Bible. 

This year will be no different, thanks to gifts and volunteers from the community. Operation Blue Jeans, an outreach project of Christian Service Center, decks out children from low-income families with brand new clothes and other items needed for a fresh start.

“Every child deserves to feel confident, valued, and prepared to succeed as the new school year approaches,” a promotional flier says. 

Photos from Christian Service Center website

All the Center is asking in return is that parents bring one can of food per child served to help fill its food pantry. 

In 2025, the goal of serving 400 children was surpassed, with 589 kids outfitted. The goal for this year is 700 children. 

To meet that goal, Christian Service Center needs donations and volunteers. Click here to donate. Or mail a check to Christian Service Center, 3185 N. 10th St. Abilene TX 79603.

Volunteers are needed for the following positions:

• Check-In Desk
• Clothing & Shoe Assistants
• Clothing Room Organizer
• Bilingual volunteers are greatly needed.
• Sign up as a volunteer today! Click here to register.
• If you are interested in helping supply backpacks, school supplies, or other items, contact Meredith Horn at mhorn@cscabilene.org.

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene