Community Corner

Salvation Army Gives Kids Back-To-School Shopping Spree (VIDEO)

125 Rockland children got a chance to shop at target for back to school necessities

 

The total rang up on the register and it was $10 and change over the $80-per-child limit. One Salvation Army volunteer dug into her pants pocket and pulled out a ten of her own to cover the rest.

She was one of several volunteers who gave part of their evening, and sometimes more than just time, to help out Rockland families in need at the Target store in the Spring Valley Marketplace

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The Salvation Army held their for 125 selected children on Tuesday evening. Organized by Majors Philip and Jodi Lloyd, they've been doing this for "at least five years."

"This is a shopping opportunity the Salvation Army is providing to the community for low-income based families," said Mitzie Veillard, Social Ministries Caseworker for the local Salvation Army. "Each approved family (arrives) at their scheduled appointment time in half hour intervals."

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The families then get a Salvation Army representative to bring them around Target and total up their items. Each child received $80 that could be used on anything, and most of the time, it was for back-to-school essentials like clothes, shoes, socks and school supplies.

"We had 100 last year and this year we're able to help 125," said Jodi Lloyd. "We've tried to increase it as much as we could. These families come and apply for this (shopping trip)."  

The entire day was funded by the Salvation Army from their fundraising efforts, mostly money raised during the holiday season. 

"This is my first time here. It's a long process, but it's exciting. Everyone came out tonight. It's nice to give back to people in need and get them basic necessities and school supplies," said Veillard.

Also, 40 kids got backpacks filled with some additional school supplies that were donated to the event by the Spring Valley Rotary. Volunteers from the Crazy Angels also came out. The Crazy Angels is a volunteer group that does not meet up nor pay dues, but helps out when called upon. Members include those from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority of NY State, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority of Rockland County and their friends. 


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