Solé of the CommUNITY, a nonprofit organization based in Palmdale, recently held its second annual shopping spree event in collaboration with JCPenney to help children in need of clothing for school. The event, which took place at the Antelope Valley Mall, was spearheaded by the organization’s founder and CEO, Nashon Mitchell. Solé of the CommUNITY has been dedicated to serving single-family homes for three years, providing access to resources for children, wellness support, and holistic healing.
The idea for the shopping spree event came about through a partnership between Solé of the CommUNITY and community leaders, who worked together to make it a reality. Mitchell reached out to the store managers at JCPenney to establish a relationship that led to the successful collaboration for the event. With over 400 registered children in the Antelope Valley, the organization was able to assist 21 families in total. Each child received a $200 gift card to shop for clothing for their back-to-school needs, accompanied by a mentor known as a community pioneer to guide them through the shopping process and teach them the importance of budgeting.
The selection of the final contestants was done through a random lottery process that was streamed live on Instagram, allowing the community to witness the selection of the winners. Families who participated in the event expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to spend quality time with their children and receive much-needed assistance with clothing.
One parent winner, Magdalena Perez, shared her experience, stating, „I really enjoyed the event and spending time alone with my daughter. I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the shopping spree. As a mother of an 8-year-old and 6-year-old who will be attending school, it is a huge help. My daughter loved being the center of attention that day, and she had a lot of fun. She said it was the best day ever.“ The event provided not only practical support but also a memorable and enjoyable experience for the children.
Mentor Shawn Cannon also reflected on the impact of the event, saying, „The shopping spree at JCPenney with Solé of the CommUNITY was amazing. To be able to be a part of an event that centers around supporting families in need is incredible. What we did with this event was give children the confidence and resources that are needed to have a successful school year. I am honored to have played a small part in something so impactful.“ The event not only provided children with necessary clothing but also instilled confidence and support for their academic success.
In a time of uncertainty and financial strain for many families, the shopping spree event provided much-needed relief and support. Parent winner Bre expressed her gratitude, saying, „My kid was over the moon and thrilled at winning the JCPenney shopping spree. The chance to pick out new clothes for school and enjoy the experience of choosing items she liked was a great experience. It saved me some money, and I was able to put that towards a car repair. I felt joy, and my daughter felt very special.“ The event not only benefited the children but also alleviated some financial burdens for the parents.
Looking ahead, Nashon Mitchell envisions a long-term collaboration with JCPenney and other community partners to continue supporting children in the Antelope Valley who are in need of services and resources. The success of the second annual shopping spree highlights the positive impact that community organizations can have when they come together to support those in need. Solé of the CommUNITY’s commitment to serving families and children in the community is a testament to the power of collective action and compassion.