WS Chronicle

With school right around the corner, many parents are scrambling to make sure their children are stocked up with the necessary supplies they will need for the year. Recognizing there was need to be filled, Barbara Robinson, founder of What’s Beneath the Uniform (WBU), held a Fun Day at the W.R. Anderson Community Center on Aug. 8.

The Fun Day included arts and crafts, a basketball camp with players from Carolina Christian College, and a fashion show, along with a school supplies giveaway. The campers were also allowed to make personalized t-shirts that they modeled at the fashion show.

WBU was started three years ago by Robinson, because she noticed a need in the community. Last year they distributed book bags, so this year they wanted to “take it up a notch,” she said.  

“This year we wanted to do a camp along with the supplies drive,” said Robinson. “I think for me, it’s just rewarding that I know I’m doing my part to reach kids who don’t get all the opportunities I had growing up.

“As a kid, we went to camps all summer long and we didn’t have a break. Some kids don’t get that chance and some kids don’t have the resources we had growing up, so it’s just rewarding for me to give back and give them opportunities.”

The idea for WBU came to Robinson several years ago while she was working for the Girl Scouts. Her passion has always been to work with kids, but she wanted to do it her way.

“I didn’t want to work with kids at a daycare or something, but rather where I am comfortable and basketball has always been a passion, so that’s where What’s Beneath the Uniform came about.

“It’s about what’s really on the inside, not what people see or what you show them. It’s about what’s in and what you really have going on.”

It seems to have been a foregone conclusion that Robinson would start a non-profit, considering both her parents have a foundation as well. She was taught as a youth to always help her fellow man.

“With how my family is set up, this is what we do,” she said. “But it was good for me to have my own image and not be behind my mom or dad’s, but just to have my own lane that I am going into.

“Growing up, my dad always told me to treat everyone with respect, no matter who it is or where they come from. I have seen both my parents give so much my entire life and that’s how they have influenced me my entire life.”