Gear Up Carolinas

Program Established:

1995 (Formerly Operation School Bell®)

Purpose of Program

Gear Up Carolinas, Lift Up Carolinas’ signature initiative, supports children in need across Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) by providing new clothing and essential supplies. While the core focus is on distributing school uniforms, the program has grown to include multiple initiatives that build confidence, improve learning environments, and encourage consistent school attendance.

Gear Up Carolinas Lift Up Carolinas School Uniforms

What We Do

Through Gear Up Carolinas, we provide:

  • School uniforms, coats, underwear, and books
  • Support to over 40 CMS schools and community organizations
  • Targeted services for children experiencing homelessness
  • Customized distributions based on counselor feedback

How It Works

Our distribution process is designed to be flexible and responsive:

  • School counselors and social workers work directly with families to assess needs
  • In early fall, bulk orders are picked up by counselors at our Center
  • Winter coats are distributed later in the fall
  • Additional uniform distributions happen at the start of the new year
  • Throughout the year, specific needs are met based on counselor input
  • Some clothing is shipped directly to CMS departments

 Additional Initiatives

  • Middle School Shopping Event – Provides a shopping trip for school clothing to middle school students

  • Operation Book Bag – Delivers essential school supplies

  • Homeless Student Focus – Offers clothing and basics for children identified by CMS McKinney-Vento counselors

  • Book Distribution – Sponsors book fairs and distributes thousands of books

  • Community Awards – Offers awards for community lessons, classes, and summer camps (Community Awards will be a stand alone program beginning in 2025-2026)

Program Impacts 2023-2024

  • 7,195 K–5 students received full uniforms

  • 2,383 middle and high school students received clothing and supplies

  • 120 children received shoes

  • 2,136 children received coats

  • 243 fleece jackets distributed

  • 538 K–12 students received bookbags and school supplies

  • 1,127 elementary students received 5,635 books

  • 93 middle school students received shopping experiences

  • 611 individuals supported through Community Awards

  • Total Schools/Organizations Served: 54

  • Total Students Impacted: 14,446

Funding

Gear Up Carolinas is funded through grants, corporate and private donations, fundraising events, and proceeds from the Lift Up Carolinas Thrift Store.

Get Involved

Your support makes this possible. Whether you donate, volunteer, or shop at our thrift store, you help us ensure that every child starts school with the essentials they need to thrive.

Lift Up Carolinas