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It’s back to school in style after Kids Spree
Comments 0 | Recommend 0The Salvation Army event gives more than 100 kids $100 each to pick out new school clothes at Sears
TJ Thomas hadn’t been shopping in so long that he didn’t even know his own size.
The 12-year-old was one of more than 100 children who got to shop until they dropped with $100 in their pockets Saturday, thanks to the Salvation Army.
“I was so excited, I couldn’t sleep,” TJ said. “I even put this shirt on inside out because I was so tired.”
TJ has lived in a shelter with his family for the two weeks since they were evicted from their home.
“It’s kind of embarrassing, but after a while you get used to it,” TJ said. “It just feels good to get new clothes, especially when you don’t have to hide with your old clothes going down the hall.”
“Personal shoppers” — 120 volunteers — helped the kids find bargains at Sears for the Salvation Army’s third annual Kids Spree at 7 a.m. Saturday, director of development Rose Mertz said.
“It’s the most unbelievably rewarding thing to see the joy on a child’s face,” Mertz said. “It’s probably even better than Christmas when you see the kids light up.”
The gift cards came from donations from Colorado Springs Utilities and individual donors.
Volunteer Kim Hurley came out with other Colorado Springs Utilities volunteers to help TJ find the right school clothes at the Chapel Hills Mall.
“It’s great to be able to spoil the kids for a whole morning,” she said. “We have the employees catering to us and finding sizes for us.”
Sears store manager Sherry Kenny had her employees show up two hours early to open the store for the spree.
“Everybody here wanted to do something to help the kids, and it’s fun,” Kenny said. “The kids are really excited because they get to come in by themselves, shop while the store is closed and pick out a lot of new things.”
Gabby Hyatt, 9, sat on a Sears bed, clutching her purchases in her lap.
“It’s not every day you get to shop with a hundred dollars in your pocket,” Gabby said. “I needed some jeans because my sister kept taking them all.”
Each child also received a new backpack with new school supplies. Johnny Lopez, who will be in kindergarten this fall, said he’s going to look pretty cool with his new basketball shoes.
“And I got some school underwear,” Johnny said and giggled. “I’m going to be way excited for school.”
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0184 or sarah.pulliam@gazette.com
