Joseph Trumbo will head to his first-grade class at Parkade Elementary School next week in a pair of brand-new shoes, something that might not have happened without the annual back-to-school program at The Wardrobe.

Jenna Isaacson photos

Above, Joseph Trumbo, a first-grader at Parkade, tries on his new backpack at The Wardrobe yesterday as his mother, Maria Trumbo, carries a bag of back-to-school clothes. They were first in line to buy shoe vouchers at a discount as part of an annual program at the secondhand clothing store. Below, Melissa Warren hands her paperwork and $4 to Joan Ditmore for a $22 voucher to Payless Shoe Source. Warren’s daughter Destiny, 5, will start kindergarten at New Haven Elementary.

Joseph and his mom, Maria, were among dozens of families who lined up yesterday outside the secondhand clothing store on Seventh Street to buy a Payless Shoes voucher worth $22 for just $4. The Trumbos were first in line.

Without the assistance, Maria Trumbo said, Joseph "probably wouldn’t get new shoes for school."

Since this year’s weekly program started Aug. 1, Wardrobe volunteers have handed out roughly 700 coupons. Families can purchase two for every school-age child on Tuesdays through the end of the month.

"It helps out a lot," said Melissa Warren, who has three kids in school. "It really does help save a little bit."

Warren’s 5-year-old daughter, Destiny, said she planned to use her coupon to buy black high heels with diamonds; Mom seemed to have more practical sandals in mind.

Cambria Abbott also was worried about being able to afford new school shoes for her 6-year-old daughter.

"Her dad lost his job in April, and it’s been kinda tight," Abbott said. "Now I’ll be able to get my daughter some shoes."

The Wardrobe, which opened in 1970, uses proceeds from used clothing sales to fund the shoe coupons.

"It’s a really good program," volunteer Doris Black said. "I wish I had had it when my children were that age."

Area residents can support the program by donating quality used clothing to the shop. The Wardrobe could also use some extra volunteers.

"It makes a very big difference," Misty Reid said as she waited to receive shoe coupons for her three school-age children. Her husband’s military injury makes the family income limited.

In addition to picking up the shoe vouchers, families also took advantage of Referral Day. Every Tuesday, clients referred by other agencies can pick up a limited amount of clothing free of charge at The Wardrobe.

Joseph chose a green backpack and a couple of T-shirts to match the shoes he plans to buy. The first-grader said he would use his voucher to buy "tennis shoes with Velcro."