One Woman's Mission: How the Cambria County Clothing Boutique Is Dressing Thousands of Local Kids

For many local families, a simple thing like a clean shirt or a warm coat for their child is an everyday struggle.

It’s a quiet crisis that impacts students in every school district, but one local woman, Lisa Campbell, saw this need firsthand five years ago and decided to take action.

Her solution evolved into the Cambria County Clothing Boutique, a remarkable effort looking to meet a growing need for local children.

Campbell discovered that countless students lacked access to clothes that were clean, fit properly, or were appropriate for the season.

This wasn't an isolated problem in one school; it was a systemic issue across the entire county.

What began as a volunteer effort run from her own home quickly snowballed into a major operation.

Soon, donations overwhelmed her space, leading Campbell to purchase two properties in Johnstown to house the growing inventory for the boutique.

To formalize her mission, she partnered with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, which helped the organization achieve official nonprofit status.

It's a testament to the power of community support.

In just five years, Campbell, still the sole operator, has provided clothing to over 8,000 children—a staggering number that highlights the depth of the need.

She acknowledges that providing clothes is just one piece of a much larger puzzle, calling it a bandage on a problem that needs more comprehensive solutions.

Still, her goal is unwavering: for every child in Cambria County to have access to appropriate school clothing.

With plans to expand the current space into a thrift store, Campbell’s dedication proves that if no one else steps up, one person can make a world of difference.

The boutique is currently in special need of children's pants and underwear to keep its shelves stocked for local students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cambria County Clothing Boutique?

The Cambria County Clothing Boutique is a Johnstown-based nonprofit founded by Lisa Campbell. It collects donated clothes and provides them to local children in need through area schools, ensuring students have access to clean, well-fitting, and seasonally appropriate attire.

How can I help children in Cambria County?

Community members can support the mission by donating new or gently used children's clothing. The organization has specifically highlighted an ongoing need for items like children's pants and underwear, which are always in high demand.