CLOTHES TO KIDS OF DENVER

Denver

News: Kathleen Phillips, whose introduction to Clothes To Kids came in 2020 when her son’s school conducted a coat drive for the Denver-based nonprofit, is the organization’s new executive director. She succeeds Valerie Lunka.

Phillips brings expertise in benefits and human resources to her new job, having served as vice president of human resources for Centennial Resource Development and senior vice president of people and integration for Permian Resources Corp.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Kathleen to our team,” said CTKD board chair Mary Valenti. “Her exceptional background in leadership, strategic planning and human resources, along with her passion for our mission, make her the ideal person to lead our organization into the future.”

Phillips had been so inspired by CTKD’s work that once her son’s coat drive had been completed, she connected her workplace with it for a holiday giving campaign. That led to several more coat, shoe and clothing drives and a fitness challenge.

She also started volunteering at CTKD as a shopping assistant, performing such chores as stocking and tidying the store and helping kids find clothing items they love.

Valerie Lunka had served as CTKD’s chief executive since 2019 and is transitioning back to her former position as development director, a role in which she will maintain continuity in donor relationships and community connections.

During her tenure as executive director, Lunka was instrumental in the organization’s continued growth and renewed focus on elevating the shopping experience for the children CTKD serves. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she established a curbside service program and oversaw significant upgrades to the store.

About the organization: The mission of Clothes To Kids of Denver is to provide new, or quality used, school wardrobes to students from low-income or in-crisis families throughout the 11-county Denver metro area. The students can select the items by appointment at the CTKD boutique, 2890 S. Colorado Blvd. Hours and other pertinent information can be found on the CTKD website.

Website: clothestokidsdenver.org

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