It’s back to school season, which means shopping for new clothes and school supplies. Once again this year, the annual ChildSpree event helped local children fill their Walmart shopping carts
On Aug. 26, Key Club partnered up with Kiwanis to take part in the annual Child Spree at our local Walmart. Volunteers in town came together to assist kids in need with picking out which clothing items they wanted.
Everyone gathered outside of Walmart Saturday morning. They were split into groups consisting of 1-2 volunteers and 1-3 kids. The Salvation Army had prepared lists of what the recipients needed, including their sizes in clothes and shoes. They all grabbed carts and worked together to strategically pile as much clothes as they could while staying within the $100 budget that was allotted to each of them.
Key Club Advisor Melanie Branson was impressed with how many volunteers jumped on board to help out at the event.
“It really showed in making our students much more comfortable and I think they really made the shopping experience fun,” said Branson. “Doing community service really warms my heart. People helping out their community to make a difference is what makes the world a better place! Feeling connected and being a part of something that is not just about you is important to our mental health, peace and well being. It makes us feel good about ourselves!”
The impact of the Child Spree grows every year.
“Last year, there were 50 children in need; this year, we were lucky to help out 78 kids,” said Club President Xiomara Rivera.
Rivera was also touched by the Child Spree, showing that it reaches not only the recipients, but the volunteers as well.
“The feeling was amazing, knowing we were able to help out children was great. Everyone there was filled with joy and it was just a lovely experience to see the children happy with their new clothes,” said Rivera.
The Child Spree ran from 7:30-9 a.m., but most decided to stay past that to finish a second round of shopping.
The Child Spree is going to be the first of many projects for Key Club. Their Krispy Kreme Fundraiser will take place at the Parade of 1000 Flags on Sept. 9. and their annual canned food drive is later this fall. Members also have the Fall Rally at Six Flags to look forward to, where they will meet up with other Southern California divisions.
Key Club meets every other Tuesday at lunch in Room K-1.
