How Jace Wilson is Trying to Make Sure No Kid Stands Out

Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

On a quiet Thursday afternoon, Jace Wilson found himself restless at home, looking for something meaningful to do.

That moment of boredom sparked what is now becoming a grassroots effort to help local youth and families access something many people take for granted — properly fitting clothes.

Wilson, a Trenton graduate, launched Jeans for Teens in November 2024 after reflecting on what he had witnessed growing up in the community.

”It’s kind of sad how many kids’ clothes have holes or just don’t fit right,” Wilson said. “Clothes can be expensive, and some families just aren’t financially stable enough to keep up.”

What began as a simple social media post asking for jean donations quickly gained traction. Within the first few days, Wilson had received more than 50 pairs of jeans. His very first donation arrived just two hours after posting — two pairs of American Eagle jeans.

“I didn’t expect it to take off like it did,” Wilson said.

Today, Jeans for Teens remains a modest, hands-on effort — and Wilson is the first to admit it.

The project currently operates out of borrowed space at Sunnyview Nursing Home, where donated clothing is sorted, inspected and washed before being redistributed. A public donation bin near the front entrance allows supporters to drop off items at any time.

Wilson typically spends eight to 10 hours a week managing the project, all while working another job as a radio station board operator.

“This is still a really small operation,” Wilson said. “It’s basically just me and a few people helping when they can.”

“I call it Jeans for Teens because that’s how it started,” Wilson said. “But it’s definitely grown beyond just jeans.”

Clothing is distributed primarily through Bright Futures and the Grundy County Support Division, as well as directly to families who reach out privately. One of the biggest challenges, Wilson said, is helping families feel comfortable asking for assistance.

“I think most of it is because families are scared to reach out,” Wilson said. “And I understand that 100 percent.”

His goal is simple but deeply personal.

“That’s our motto — no one stands out,” Wilson said. “It’s sad seeing kids struggle with basic needs, especially with how much bullying happens nowadays to kids who dont have the nice clothes.”

While Jeans for Teens is still in its early stages, Wilson has clear goals for where he hopes the project will go. In the short term, he wants to build a steadier flow of both donations and distributions so the supply stays balanced. Long term, his ambitions are much bigger.

“My real goal is to reach 1,000 pairs given out” Wilson said.

He also hopes to eventually move the operation out of borrowed space and into a dedicated location with shelving, storage totes and better organization.

“The long term goal is to not to be in a nursing home — I want my own space where where we can have all the room we need” Wilson said.

Future expansion could include more athletic wear, sweatpants, sports equipment and even hygiene products — items Wilson has repeatedly seen students struggle to access.

Wilson credits the early success of Jeans for Teens to strong local support, including help from volunteers and Sunnyview staff who provided storage and a donation drop site. After a brief hiatus during an administrative transition, the project recently restarted — and donations quickly resumed.

“I just want to thank the community for sticking with me,” Wilson said. “I just started this back up and I’ve already gotten probably 50 pairs of jeans.”

For now, the effort remains small, personal and powered largely by one person’s determination to make a difference. But if Wilson has his way, Jeans for Teens will continue growing — one pair at a time.

Community members can donate clothing or request assistance through the Jeans for Teens Facebook page or by contacting Wilson directly via Facebook Messenger.

“Anyone that needs help can always reach out,” Wilson said. “I’m always here.”