Clothing Our Kids announces board changes

Clothing Our Kids held board elections at its recent meeting.

The Sussex County-based nonprofit is dedicated to providing school clothing to students in need, serving every pre-K, elementary and middle school in the county. The 2024-25 school year was its first full year serving five high schools, and it plans to expand to five more in the coming school year.

Karen Borges was reelected to serve a one-year term. Borges began her tenure with COK along with founder Mary Rio 13 years ago. Her commitment and passion for COK’s mission in helping students in local communities is unsurpassed, and her management and organizational skills are invaluable.

Also elected for another one-year term was Peter Thomas, grant chair. A retired clinical psychologist, Thomas was the chief psychologist at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center prior to running his own group practice. He received his PhD from the University of Connecticut and did his internship at the Palo Alto VA Hospital. Thomas has led the COK Grant Committee for the past four years, with available funds increasing immensely during his tenure.

Vice President Pam Fleuette begins a two-year term. Following her upcoming retirement as CEO of Tidemark Federal Credit Union in December, she will assume the COK presidency. Under her leadership, Tidemark foresaw the need to help middle school students in need of adequate clothing through a $500 monthly donation to COK. Fleuette will replace current COK President Bob Blouin, who will remain on the board.

Rounding out the board are Treasurer Mike Wezel, elected to a three-year term, Merrill Cohen, also serving a three-year term, and Susan Greally, appointed to a one-year term.

COK extends great thanks for the support of outgoing board members Kaneshia Savage and Kyle Ricker, each serving for two terms. COK benefited greatly from Savage’s experience as a staff member in local schools and through Ricker’s business expertise.