100 Local Students Participate in the 26th Annual Kohl’s Back-to-School Shopping Spree
26 years! That’s how long the Elk Grove Optimist Club (EGOC) has been holding this event to support local students in preparing them for the upcoming school year. The Back-to-School Shopping Spree was held last Saturday, July 27th from 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM at the Kohl’s located on 9650 Bruceville Road. Every year for almost three decades, Elk Grove Unified’s Student Support Centers (EGUSSC) and Foster Youth Services along with EGOC choose about 100 students for this event. Moreover, students are provided with a backpack and school supplies as well haircuts by Great Clips for the new school year.
Elk Grove Unified students and their parents are in line and ready for the shopping spree! Photo courtesy of Elk Grove Council Member Darren Suen.
Who Can Participate?
Students from kindergarten through fifth grade participate in this event. They must be found in need and referred to the Back-to-School Shopping Spree. These students may come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They may not be able to have the means to purchase clothing and school supplies as needed for school. This event provides all the participants a $150 shopping spree along with other donated items. Additionally, students enjoy a pancake breakfast by the Elk Grove Lions Club after their shopping spree. This is usually a highlight as it enables youth to share with volunteers and sponsors about themselves and their excitement about the upcoming school year.
A volunteer and student participant have fun with the photo booth. Photo courtesy of Michelle Zhu.
Support from the Elk Grove Community
Starting with Elk Grove Unified School District’s (EGUSD) very own Superintendent Christopher R. Hoffman, Kohl’s employees, the EGUSSC, and EGOC staff aid the students with their shopping. Furthermore, about 100 volunteer chaperones help with making the event a success. Support from other community organizations is strong as well. California Highway Patrol, Chik-Fil-A, Elk Grove Lions Club, Elk Grove Police Department, and Great Clips backed the event. Paula Maita & Co., Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Soroptomist of Elk Grove, Trader Joes and the UC Davis Trauma Prevention Program offered a hand also to ensure the event went well. Consequently, the Elk Grove community and its organizations came through once more to help local children.
Councilman Darren Suen and his wife enjoying the shopping spree with some students. Photo courtesy of Elk Grove Council Member Darren Suen.
