Sandpipers Support Kids in Need with School Shopping
Aug 23, 2021 08:37AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
A total of 75 local kids in need got new school supplies and
clothing on Sunday, thanks to Sandpipers' annual Back-to-School Shopping
event at Kohl’s in Torrance.
The
children, referred to Sandpipers by 10 local nonprofit partner agencies,
were each paired with a member of Sandpipers and Sandpiper Juniors. The
Sandpipers assisted the children with selecting and purchasing school
clothes, shoes, uniforms, and supplies valued at more than $275 per
child.
To support the program. Kohl’s opened
their doors before normal business hours, provided staff for the event,
and gave event shoppers an additional 20 percent off, with no sales tax.
Additionally, Sandpipers donated backpacks loaded with school supplies
for each student.
All told, Sandpipers spent $18,000 in support of the children.
"Great generosity is extended from the Sandpipers and Kohl's
through this Back to School event," said Samantha Duran, children's program manager of Family Promise of the
South Bay, one of the local nonprofit partners. "Whatever the circumstances of the
time - such as COVID these past two years - Sandpipers makes it a point to
still make the events happen and make everyone feel cared for and seen."
Angelo
C., one of the students who was part of the shopping excursion, said,
""Look at the mask they gave me. I am thankful. I need this stuff for
school. I needed it so much."
An Annual Tradition
“Back-to-School
Shopping program started in 1999 and continues to be a favorite amongst
our membership,” said Sandpipers Philanthropy Vice President Joyce
Chaput. "It is a special day where the membership gets to see their
fundraising dollars at work, making a direct impact in the lives of
those in need who working hard to overcome challenges.”
Sandpipers
is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to serving the needs of the
South Bay community through charitable and philanthropic programs since
1931. One hundred percent of its proceeds go to those in need in the
community.
With more than 800 volunteer
members, Sandpipers has raised and distributed more than $2.2 million
dollars in the past five years. These funds have been disbursed through
Sandpipers’ various programs including emergency casework, the
Back-to-School Shopping Program, holiday baskets, college scholarships
and community grants. For more information, visit www.sandpipers.org.