Salvation Army teams up to aid youths
Shopping can be a burden unless you have a little help.
The generous partnership between the Salvation Army and JCPenney offers that help as they cooperate to help the underserved acquire back-toschool basics, a late-summer ritual.
Salvation Army offered 50 $100 gift cards and retail giant JCPenney offered a 20 percent discount for Valley children who went on a shopping spree, Tuesday. There were 25 chaperones to assist children who spent two hours at the Imperial Valley Mall site before its business opening.
Calling it a blessing, Susan Ireland, a single mother with five children who works for Imperial County Behavioral Health Services got an assortment of clothes for a good price. For several years Ireland has been grateful for help she has received for rental assistance and pantry supplies.
“Salvation Army has provided us with transportation to church every Sunday,” said Ireland. “My kids went to Pine Summit Camp for six weeks to do sports and learn music. It’s a tremendous relief to get all this assistance.” And added her son Joseph, “I’m happy we don’t have to spend all our money on these clothes.”
This event is one of the most inspirational of all Salvation Army activities remarked Kurt Leptich, a board member for five years and current chairman. It is also one of the “coolest” events since it provides children with a running start on the school year. Adults cannot underestimate the importance of back-to-school shopping noted Leptich.
“The kids want the contemporary fashions with all the right logos,” he said. “But the cool thing, they do a lot of math today, it’s their first academic assignment. With the 20 percent discount they’ll try to get as close to the $100 limit as they can. Learning how to budget money is a life-long skill.”
Chaperone Sue Haney noted it’s always fun to shop with the kids. “It takes me back to my kindergarten days,” she said. “I’m just so glad the community does this for the children. It certainly fills a need.”
Fourth grade Meadows Union Elementary School student Travis Shaffer was waiting with friends Alfredo and Alvino Bernal after shopping, until staff would unlock the front doors.
“I got some good Nike shoes, boxers, a school uniform and gym shorts I’ll use for soccer,” he said. “This is pretty good because my house burned down a couple of months ago and we’re living in a motel, so we’re happy they could help us with clothes.”
Jose Bernal, father of Alfredo and Alvino called it a marvel. “I’m in a bad situation because I wasn’t able to get them school supplies,” he said. “The Salvation Army is great. I want to thank them and the (Salvation Army) Lieutenants for taking their time.”
JCPenney also provided children with goody bags consisting of pencils and snacks noted Diana Plascencia, store general manager. “I’m really happy they picked JCPenney,” she said. “And I’m happy for the community and hope it gets repeated. We try our utmost to give them the best customer service.”
Lieutenants John and Jennifer Acosta encouraged children to shop wisely. “We had great cooperation from JC Penny,” said Jennifer. “We’d like to urge people to continue to donate to Salvation Army so we can continue to do this.”