Denise deLancillotti operates Sunshine and Seed, a free, used clothing store for children in Los Osos. Photo by Judy Salamacha
Denise deLancellotti is an independent woman with a heart for community as big as her husband’s. She and Bobby deLancillotti, the recognized founder and CEO of the Estero Bay Kindness Coalition, recently announced Sunshine and Seed, their cost-free youth clothing store, had recently reopened in larger quarters at El Morro Church in Los Osos. The program offers free gently used clothing to elementary school children generally attending Monarch Grove, Baywood Elementary, and Del Mar Elementary schools. The by-appointment-only clothing program augments the Coalition’s food pantry family give-away program created in 2020.
As Bobby was launching the Kindness Coalition’s food program, Denise asked herself, “What’s my part?” She thought she might fill a different community need by creating another giving program that she would manage. “During COVID I was vacuuming one day and saw a picture of myself as a young girl always dressed nice even though I came from a somewhat dysfunctional family,” Denise said. The concept of dressing for success came to mind. “Everyone should be blessed with dignity. Showing up with the clothes one feels comfortable in not only provides dignity but strengthens one’s personal confidence.”
Like the food pantry the free clothing program works through the schools’ administrations to identify potentially interested families. Once confirmed by telephone, the family provides names and sizes. “At first, I selected from donated clothing, which was left on the family’s doorstep like we do the food bags.”
The all-volunteer Estero Bay Kindness Coalition, managed by Bobby, continues to serve the growing need for food subsistence within the Estero Bay. It sources the food primarily through partnerships with the SLO Food Bank, local farms, and community donations. Approximately two tons of food is purchased from the SLO Food Bank and supplemented by local produce and Cal Poly eggs, bagged and delivered by volunteers weekly. Meanwhile Denise manages the Coalition’s Sunshine and Seed.
At first, the Coalition coordinated food deliveries in donated space at the Morro Bay Presbyterian Church. When the food pantry operations outgrew what the church had available, it moved to space offered by Mike Wolfe at the Avocado Shack (Morro Bay Main Street). The clothing program then had room to create its “store” at the Presbyterian Church simulating a retail store for children to come and pick out what they liked. However, when the Presbyterian Church’s Kid’s Ministry program needed more room, Bobby, a retired pastor, was able to ask around his network of active ministers and El Morro Christian generously agreed to provide space for the “store.” It continues to operate by appointment only by connecting with Denise.
“We’re in the back adjacent to the parking lot,” Denise said. “Recently we put flyers in the Kindness food bags to let people know we have moved.” She will coordinate an appointment time. “It is important to me that the kids come and look and choose clothing they like. I know how special it is to have your own shopping experience.”
And her shoppers will find a wide variety of shirts, pants, shoes and jackets to choose from. “The family is welcome to come to the shopping experience. Lately, I’ve noticed the older siblings showing some interest, so I hope to expand to larger sizes someday soon.” She admitted middle school and high school siblings are more particular often following clothing trends, so their store needs to offer current styles to be successful.
Besides local area donations, Denise has developed partnerships with some retail outlets to purchase more personal items at a discount. During the holidays, for example, the shopping experience included socks, underwear and even pajamas, if in stock. She said, “Old Navy is very helpful.” She also mentioned that generous donors provided new hand made products for their Adopt-a-Family program. “Besides caps for the kids, Mom got a gift — a crocheted blanket.” The store also has a donor who funds their First Books Program. “When the children shop, they can pick out a book. If we get low our donor has said to order more, and just give him a call to pay the bill.”
“Periodically, when we get low on inventory we will reach out on social media for donations.” When someone is interested in answering the request, Denise needs the clothing to be washed, ironed if needed, and in like-new condition with no stains or rips, and, of course, what an elementary child would feel good wearing to school or family outings.
Most people hear about their services from the schools or the Food Bank, but the Kindness Coalition will include information in their regular flyers delivered in the food bags so satisfied word-of-mouth clients will pass along their good fortune. “Social media is another source that they learn about us,” Denise said. “We’re blessed to have our daughter Kathryn doing our social media and other publicity.”
Speaking of Kathryn deLancillotti, she is a regular active member of the family team often coordinating their fundraising special events. For example, calendar the evening of April 18 at Moonstone Cellars. Kathryn will join two of her fellow award-winning poets, Rebecca Evans and Luke Johnson, at the Cambria-based winery based for poetic readings then open mic time. A $5 donation is requested going directly to the Estero Bay Kindness Coalition. And, of course, Moonstone will have their wines available by the glass or bottle for the evening’s benefit event.
In 2017, Bobby deLancellotti asked the principal of Del Mar Elementary how his family might help other families, and Principal Janet Gould provided him names of ten families. The Kindness Coalition provided and delivered food bags directly to their homes and has since sourced and managed the fully free food pantry and clothing program for those who need a leg up throughout the Estero Bay area. If readers would like to help in person or by becoming a donor, check out esterobaykindnesscoalition.org for contact information and more details.
