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Dozens of Merced City School District students are enjoying new clothes and backpacks thanks to caring community members who organized a special shopping event at Target.
The Active 20-30 Club of Merced held its annual “ChildSpree” on September 10th. The group is made up of local residents in their 20’s and 30’s who are dedicated to improving the lives of children in Merced County. Members raised enough money to provide 40 MCSD students with free backpacks and $150 to spend on clothing, along with other students from the Winton School District.
Target opened the doors early so volunteers could help the children browse for their favorite fall fashions. The students who participated are in kindergarten through sixth grade and were selected by their principals.
Brian Meisenheimer, Director of Pupil Services for the Merced City School District says, “This was a wonderful opportunity for our families with the greatest needs. We are thankful for everyone who came together to provide not only the monetary support for this event, but also to serve as positive role models for our students.”
Active 20-30 Club member and ChildSpree organizer Crystal Floyd says, “This was my sixth ChildSpree and the third time I’ve chaired this event. It never gets old checking in kids at 7:45 a.m., all groggy and just waking up, and then seeing them two hours later full of excitement and sharing stories and showing each other what they were able to get. Every year we try to up the ante by taking more children and giving them larger shopping budgets, and this year was the largest turn out to date.”
Club member Adam Castro enjoyed helping with his first ChildSpree. He says, “I’ve always felt that giving back was in my blood. I remember seeing pictures last year of all the kids and volunteers. I knew I needed to be a part of this. I’m so honored to be part of the Active 20-30 Club and that I was able to participate in ChildSpree this year. It was such a humbling and rewarding experience. There’s nothing like seeing a child’s face light up. I’ve been sharing my experience with everyone with hopes that I can encourage more people to volunteer and give back to their community.”
Additional financial support for ChildSpree was provided by United Way of Merced County and LandHome Financial. Target provided goody bags and volunteers for the event, and approximately 40 volunteers from the UC Merced Circle K Club also showed up to help.