Target hits a bullseye for IPS kids in need

Thanks to our friends at Target, we were able to take about 100 of the kids from our shelter and community centers school shopping this week! On Tuesday night, back-to-school eve for IPS, The Salvation Army and Target teamed up to help 12,000 K-12 students across the country gear up for school with the Target School Spree. Each child, selected by The Salvation Army, was awarded an $80 Target GiftCard to purchase back-to-school supplies. The kids were paired with a Salvation Army volunteer and sent out to select school uniform items, backpacks and all the supplies they’ll need to get started.

Nearly 500 Target stores participated in the one-day Target School Spree event in select regions across the country, including four here in the metro Indy area – 38th Street, Glendale, Nora and Southport. Each $80 Target GiftCard awarded as part of the program provided a child with the necessary supplies to go back to school in the fall, ready to learn.

It was clear that the kids also appreciated the gift from Target.  When third grader Tiara was asked what she thought about the shopping spree she said, “This is pretty cool.  I got everything I needed for school.  It’s been a good day.”

Thanks to all the folks at Target nationally and right here in Indy. They provided a fun environment with snacks and even games for the kids waiting their turn to shop. We especially appreciated the enthusiasm of their associates as they helped the kids check out at the end of the shop. Talk about “doing the MOST good”!

Mrs. Lewis, Shoe Carnival help kids in need get ready for school

This morning, thanks to Mrs. Lewis and the team at the Lafayette Road Shoe Carnival, nearly 120 kids from The Salvation Army’s Summer Day Camp programs in Indy got the tools they’ll need to start school on the right foot.

According to Huntington Bank’s 2010 Backpack Index, the average cost for a family to send a child to elementary school (with all the school recommended supplies and necessary clothing) is about $475. With the first days of school quickly approaching, parents are no doubt feeling the pressure of providing new shoes, back packs and school supplies. Add to that stress that many of the children from this morning’s shop are residents at our shelter or come from single-parent families with that parent working to support the family and also receiving assistance from the Army such as help with groceries and utility expenses.

Mrs. Lewis, who is now 94 years old, has provided shoes for children through The Salvation Army for five years. Mrs. Lewis grew up as an orphan, never having the luxury of new shoes for school. After enjoying a prosperous life together with her husband she wanted to give back to kids who may be less fortunate. Kalvin Henderson, proud recipient of Mrs. Lewis’ gift said, “I think she’s real nice and someone should be doing something nice for her too. I’d have to save my money for a long time to get shoes like this.”

Jo Ann Remender, Planned Giving Director for The Salvation Army says, “It’s not just meeting a physical need for these kids, it’s meeting an emotional need too. It’s preparing them for that first day of school, so they feel like they have all the necessary tools they need to be successful.”

Each of us has the means to make a difference in our community, to ‘Bite Back’ by giving of our time and resources. If you’re interested in helping your neighbors in need through The Salvation Army, give Kristen a call at 224-1019.