School's Back After Summer: Students Get Shopping Spree to Start the School Year

Around 50 youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside were equipped for the approaching school year on Saturday, Aug. 8, thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Redlands. The youth went on a shopping spree at Kohl’s in Redlands with Kiwanis members, who accompanied them through the store. Each Boys & Girls Club member got a $100 Kohl’s gift card – purchased by Kiwanis – and the volunteers helped each Club member choose clothes, shoes and other essentials. Many Kiwanis members paid the difference on bills that totaled over $100. A mother whose 15-year-old son got new clothes and a backpack said he was “grinning from ear to ear” on the first day of school. “I do the best I can, so that usually means we have to buy second-hand items,” said the mother, who asked that she and her son not be named. “This program meant at least he didn't have to. Thank you for offering this to help Redlands youth.” Kiwanis Club president Michael Milian said the shopping spree is the event his members most enjoy all year, because they interact with the youth. “We’re not only providing the funding for the event, the members love the fact that we get to get hands on and work with the kids,” said Milian, who brought his three children and wife along. “My kids were getting involved and bringing clothes over and showing the Boys & Girls Club kids and getting them excited… It really becomes a family event,” he said. The event is one of the major ways the Club prepares youth for the school year, and supports academic success for each member. “The shopping spree contributes to our goal of opening the door to great futures for each of our kids,” said Boys & Girls Club CEO P.T. McEwen. About 45 Kiwanis members participated. The service club has sponsored the shopping spree for five years. Kohl’s didn’t charge sales tax.