While teachers, counselors and administrators are gearing up for a new school year, a small army of volunteers is mobilizing to make sure students have brand new clothes.

Clothing Our Kids is ramping up for its first full year of serving every school in Sussex County, from pre-K to high school.

COK has received a record number of requests before the start of school this year, according to Bob Blouin, COK board member and former president.

"Demand ramps up at the start of school through Christmas," Blouin said. "It picks up again in January-February, when we get more requests for winter clothing."

Blouin said he is proud of the organization's 180 volunteers, who have gotten the word out through their school liaison program that COK is there to help.

Teachers and counselors identify students in their buildings who might not have clean clothes, sneakers or a winter coat.

They then place an order with COK. Volunteers drop off the items for the students in need.

Blouin said underwear, socks and hoodies are always in great demand.

"It's an opportunity for a child to have something new that they may have never had before. It gives them self-esteem. If they look good, they feel good," he said.

Blouin said, this past July, COK was called to help a family who lost everything in a fire.

COK will hold its annual golf tournament fundraiser Monday, Oct. 19, at the Peninsula Golf Club.

The organization has formed a grant committee to look for new opportunities.

Blouin said COK is hoping to get another grant from Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit in California that donated 1,000 pairs of sneakers to COK last November.