An idea that started in the laundry room of a Clarendon Hills family’s home has turned into a noble, and successful, effort that is helping many people whose children are taking first Communion.
“I was cleaning a stain out of my daughter’s dress that she wore for first Communion and realized that we really didn’t have a need for the dress anymore,” said Jennifer Buffardi. “My son was there, and I told him it could be a great project for him to find a good use for the dresses and suits worn for first Communion.”
Buffardi’s son, James, 17, thought his mother’s suggestion was a good one, so he started The Faith Forward Initiative 1 1/2 years ago as a nonprofit that collects dresses, suits, ties, shoes and other clothing worn once for first Communion and connects it with others, who cannot afford to purchase new clothing for their children.
“I’ve been all over the Chicago area to collect dresses and suits, and my mom posted about it on her Facebook page, asking people to donate first Communion clothing,” James said. “I wanted to do this because the dresses and suits for first Communion are expensive, and not everyone can afford that.
“This seemed like a good way to help those people and also give people, who have already used the first Communion clothing and don’t need it anymore, an opportunity to donate it and help someone else.”
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Buffardi has collected about 60 dresses and suits since beginning his effort, along with several shoes and ties. Since the start of 2021, he has collected 37 dress donations and gave out the first dresses and suits in January.
A planned fitting event this year at a church was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Buffardi has found another way to make the process work. He puts five dresses or suits in a bag to be picked up and tried on.
“People try them on and bring back the other four,” he said.
Buffardi likes what he has seen, so far, from his efforts.
“I’m excited about it and hope it keeps growing,” he said. “This is exactly how we pictured it, and there’s been plenty of positive feedback from people who have received dresses and suits, and from those who have donated clothing. People like to donate, they feel good about it.”
While Buffardi refers to “we,” to include his mother, when he talks about The Faith Forward Initiative, Jennifer Buffardi gives all the credit to her son.
“He’s really taken it by the reins; he’s been doing the heavy lifting,” she said. “I’m really not surprised to see him doing this. I know I’m his mom, but he’s one of the kindest boys I know, and I’m very proud of him.”
Anyone interested in donating first Communion clothing or in need of some, may email Buffardi at [email protected].