Springfield Students in Need Get Back-to-School Shopping Spree

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Some low-income children got to go on a mini shopping spree Tuesday morning.

Thanks to Target and the Salvation Army, 17 local kids were able to get the back-to-school necessities they need for the upcoming school year.

Each child received an $80 Target gift card during the Target School Spree.

The children also had a "shopping buddy" who helped them pick out school supplies, a back pack, clothing, and any other items they might need to start the school year off right.

Shopping buddies included Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder, representatives from the United Way, and Zone 1 Springfield City Council member Jeff Seifried.

Some of the children in attendance are residents in the Salvation Army's shelter and housing programs, or have recently received assistance from the organization.

This is the first year many of them have ever received basic back-to-school necessities.

"We want to make sure they get clothing first and shoes and things they need and then we will head over to school supplies and see what else they need," says Mike Rangel with the Salvation Army.

"You don't want to go to school unprepared," says Seifried. "We don't want our kids going to school unprepared and that's what this program does: it prepares our kids for school."

Residents in both Greene and Christian counties that are in need of back-to-school assistance are encouraged to stop by the Salvation Army Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to register for the Salvation Army's assistance program.

Registration will take place at the Salvation Army located at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway in Springfield.

For more information please, visit http://www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-moor or call (417) 862-5509.