The Salvation Army is preparing for a special early-morning shopping spree that will help 100 local children gear up for the new school year.
On the morning of August 2, The Salvation Army will take 100 children from low-income families on a back-to-school shopping spree at the Kohl’s store on Pyramid Way in Sparks.
Each child will receive a $150 gift card to purchase new clothing and shoes for the upcoming school year.
Henry Schein has donated 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for the participating children and an additional 250 stuffed backpacks that will be distributed to other children in need through The Salvation Army’s partners and community programs.
“We are so grateful to the folks at Henry Schein for the generosity and time,” said Major Randy Hartt, Northern Nevada Coordinator for The Salvation Army. “Their volunteers will also be at the event helping chaperone the children while they shop for clothing and shoes.”
More than 50 volunteers will help chaperone during the event.
The children were signed up by their guardians through The Salvation Army’s social services office.
While registration for this event is closed, The Salvation Army plans to announce future opportunities for guardians to receive backpacks and school supplies.
“This shopping spree is really a joyful time of year for us,” said Major Hartt. “Being able to walk into the first day of school with new clothes and a new backpack gives these kids a sense of confidence. It helps them walk into the classroom ready to make the most out of their learning environment.”
Staff from The Salvation Army will begin setting up at Kohl’s before sunrise, with volunteers arriving shortly after 6 a.m. Guardians will then begin checking their children in.
“The Kohl’s will open only to event participants by 7 a.m.,” said Major Hartt. “And we really want to thank the management team there and the staff for making those accommodations for our back-to-school shopping spree.”
