News Headlines

Back To School Shopping Spree for Local Kids in Need

Posted: 1:32 PM Aug 3, 2012
Reporter: Maria Satira

Back To School Shopping Spree for Local Kids in Need

It's August and for local students, the school year is just around the corner.

While many kids and parents are spending money on new clothes and school supplies, other families in need can't do as much as they wish they could.

That's where The Salvation Army comes in.

"I got binders, lead pencils, and folders, notebooks and stuff that I need like a bookbag," said middle schooler, Kataiya Napper.

Those are just a few of the things in her shopping cart. She's one of the 10 kids who were selected for this shopping spree.

"I get a chance to express what I want without being on a budget," said Napper.

With help from the Winchester Salvation Army and Target, these kids are shopping up a storm.

They were each given 80 dollars to spend and they're making every dollar count.

"The children that we select are children that their parents are going through a very difficult time. So it's not just the fact that they can buy school supplies and clothing, it's the excitement of being there and the dream of going on a shopping spree," said Corps Officer, Lt. Danitza Porres.

Through this, volunteers say the kids are learning how to budget and make decisions.

"You take them somewhere and say you are the one who's going to be making decisions. And they're like 'what?' And hey, you pick your stuff out," said Salvation Army volunteer, Robert Grimm.

"When they know they can go out and do their own shopping with no Mommy or Daddy there, that makes a difference for them too," said Lt. Porres.

They say it's rewarding to see the kids smiling while pushing their shopping carts.

"That is priceless. And that's what makes it worth while. We see the children looking for what they want and it's just a dream for them," said Lt. Porres.

"When you do things for the kids like this, they really smile and they love it," said Grimm.

After the shopping spree, these kids are going back to school ready to learn.