Back-to-school shopping can be a stressful time for many parents, especially when prices for clothes and shoes are not always budget-friendly. However, there are organizations like Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend that aim to alleviate some of the financial burden for families in need. One such initiative is the annual Child Spree event held at JCPenney at La Palmera mall.
The Child Spree event typically takes place in the first week of August, just before the start of the school year. This year, over 150 students from surrounding school districts were able to shop for up to $100 each, thanks to a generous $15,000 donation from the Port of Corpus Christi. Additionally, more than 50 students from Corpus Christi ISD schools had the opportunity to shop for up to $200 to $350, courtesy of Valero’s donation.
To make the shopping experience even more affordable, students were provided with tax-exempt forms and received a 30% discount from the department store. Gloria Taylor, CEO of Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend, emphasized that the purpose of the event is to ensure that students start the school year feeling positive and confident.
Students who participate in the Child Spree are selected with the help of school staff members, social workers, counselors, principals, and parents. Augustina Hinojosa, a 13-year-old student, expressed her gratitude for being chosen to go on a shopping spree, stating that it helps her parents and means a lot to her and her peers.
Volunteers like Blaise Morgan also play a crucial role in making the event a success. Morgan, who helped 6-year-old Juan De La Garza find a new pair of shoes, shared that he found the experience rewarding and wished he had similar opportunities when he was a child. Taylor highlighted that community members can continue supporting children in need by donating at their local H-E-B stores throughout the month of August.
For those interested in learning more about the program or getting involved as volunteers, they can visit the Communities in Schools of the Coastal Bend website for more information. By supporting initiatives like the Child Spree, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of students in need and help them start the school year on a positive note.