We sponsor children in low-income families at $100.00 per child on a surprise shopping spree in early December. We coordinate with the school liaison to select the children that are in most need. Their guardians are then notified to transport their child/children to Kohl’s department store at 7AM under top secret instructions to not let on to the children as to where or why they are going to Kohl’s at 0-dark-30, before Kohl’s is open to the public. Once the children are gathered at Kohl’s with Rotarians, we surprise them with the shopping spree announcement. One on one child to Rotarian they are off shopping. They are to shop for just themselves for basic clothing items, such as coats, shoes, socks, pants, shirts, tops, and the like. The goal is to give them brand new clothes just for them to build dignity and confidence to have brand new clothing items, while helping out the economy of the household. Many recipients have never been to a department store often receiving second-hand clothing.
The children are so grateful for this opportunity. Big smiles and bright eyes says it all, as we mill through the aisles finding the just right items for themselves. These kids are polite and kind and very gracious. As Rotarians, we are grateful ourselves to be able to give joy during the holidays.
While we are shopping at our local Kohl’s department store, 3 other Rotary clubs and 2 other Kohl’s are participating in the same program on the same day.
Over the years our club has sponsored over 100 children to have a brighter holiday season.
