Photo Credit: Darren Suen

Annual Child Spree Held At Kohl’s

On Saturday July 28, the Elk Grove Optimist Club held their annual Child Spree at Kohl’s. The Elk Grove Optimist Club sponsored the annual Child Spree in collaboration with the EGUSD Regional Student Support Centers and a host of community partners. Consequently, over $20,000 in donations have been invested in preparing 100 Elk Grove Unified School District students for the start of the new year.

The event occured from 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM. Chaperones gathered at 5:30 AM before the festivities started and each child began shopping at 6:00 AM. Accompanied by volunteer chaperones, each student shopped for back to school clothes and shoes ($150.00) and more.

Volunteers helped execute the event early in the morning
Photo Credit: Darren Suen

Community Sponsors Generously
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In addition to all everything they picked up at Kohl’s, the children received a lot of back-to-school necessities, including backpacks filled with school supplies donated by the Soroptimist Club of Elk Grove and Paula Maita. They also got a lot of other goodies and perks from local sponsors. Each child had their vision screen by the Elk Grove Lions Vision Van and glasses were provided. Also, Great Clips gave students free haircuts. Chick Fil-A donated a plush mini cow for each child and a free meal. EGUSD Student Support Centers provided oral dental supplies. Safe Kids of Greater Sacramento provided free booster seats to families that participated in the event. UCD Trauma provided free bike helmets to all of the children.

The kids were also able to enjoy face painting by Cosumnes Oaks High School’s National Honor Society, a tattoo both provided by David Reese Student Support Center, and balloon twisters provided by Whimsy and Wishes.

Trader Joe’s provided snacks for the children. Furthermore, students and their chaperones also enjoyed a free pancake breakfast after shopping, prepared by the Elk Grove Lions Club.

Micaela Stafford & Mayoral Candidate Tracie Stafford help Jason & Jasmine shop at Kohl’s
Photo Credit: Tracie Stafford

Purpose of Child Spree

In essence, the purpose of this event is to give students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade who are experiencing socio-economic challenges a chance to attend a fun event and start school with new clothing, shoes, a back-pack with school supplies and more. Hence, children who might not normally be able to obtain new clothing and school supplies get a lift up and also have a fun time, thanks to generous community sponsors. Important to note, all children who participate are students in the Elk Grove Unified School District and are selected from referrals to the EGUSD Regional Student Support Centers or participation in the Homeless Education Program or Foster Youth Services.

Thank you to all the sponsors and to everyone who made this year’s Child Spree a huge success!