August 3, 2004 > Summer Shopping Spree

by Captain Julius Murphy

Summertime means fun, swimming, sports, camping and sleeping in for children. But for many parents of low income families it's a time of worry and anxiety as preparations are made for their children to go back to school. These parents may find it financially impossible to provide their children with new clothes and school supplies for the school year.

In an effort to meet this urgent need in our community, The Salvation Army Tri-Cities Corps & Community Center and Mervyn's have partnered again to host ChildSpree 2004, a back to school shopping spree on August 7. One hundred pre-approved children from the Tri-City area will convene at Mervyn's at the NewPark Mall to shop for new clothes, shoes and school supplies.

Volunteers from the Newark Police Department, Mervyn's Corporation, the local Optimist Club and the community at large will chaperone the children as they shop. Parents will wait outside as the children enter with a shopping helper who will advise them on what to buy with their price limit. They will also be provided with a free backpack and school supplies upon leaving the store.

For more information, or to find out how you can help, call the Salvation Army at (510) 793-6319.