Thu, March 28, 2024

Aiken clothier “Chalks it Up” for Father’s Day

A few years ago, Lionel Smith Ltd. started a promotion that honors dads and gives back to the community. Between June 1 leading up to Father’s Day on June 19, you can come by the longtime men’s clothing store, grab a piece of chalk and honor your dad on the sidewalk in front of the store at 132 Laurens Street.

“For every handprint drawn or Dad’s name written in chalk, we’ll donate $5 to Children’s Place, whose mission is to protect, heal and strengthen children and families from the impact of trauma in their lives through education, treatment, and prevention services,” said company owner, Van Smith.

The initiative is a perfect fit for a clothier and tailor in business since 1976. Tailor’s chalk is used to make temporary markings on a suit as it’s being fitted. This time, a different type of chalk is being used to mark a memory of your dad.

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 Smith’s dad, Lionel, who founded the company, believes in philanthropy and supporting the community.

“He put me in this business, served as my mentor, and is just a very good man,” the younger Smith said. “Our support of Children’s Place is a way to help children who may not always have a father figure who supports them.”

As for Children’s Place, Executive Director, Peggy Ford couldn’t be more grateful.

Chalk it Up supports Children’s Place. They’ll be serving sweet treats on June 8 for all who leave their dad’s name.

“This partnership brings financial support, but perhaps even more importantly, helps our community focus on the importance of fathers and families supporting children. It gets the message out,” Ford explained.

Van Smith hopes to fill up the sidewalk with names and handprints between now and the end of their promotion on June 18.

“Only a couple of days into Chalk It Up, we’re seeing just as many adults as children drawing on the sidewalk and leaving memories of their dad,” he said.

As a bonus, representatives from Children’s Place will be in front of the store on June 8 to offer some sweet treats while you leave your sidewalk art.

For more information on Children’s Place, visit ChildrensPlaceInc.org.

Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! 

If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.

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