My Nonprofit Reviews

Rotary’s Child Spree Assures Students Are Ready for School

More than one hundred twenty students received new clothes and a backpack full of school supplies thanks to the Hayward Rotary Club’s annual Child Spree program.

On Saturday, Aug. 13, at 6:45 AM, eager K-12 students met at JC Penney at Southland Mall and were paired with a Rotary Club member or other community volunteer. Together, using a list of needed items identified by the parent and a $100 gift card, they purchased essential clothing needed to start school. JC Penney offered 25% percent off the entire purchase and waived sales tax, so the children were able to purchase more essential back-to-school clothing.

JC Penney staff volunteered to work the early shift in order to share the joy with the children and their parents, and the Nestle Kiosk in Southland opened early to offer discounted coffee and snacks for the volunteers and families.

“This is the sixteenth year that Hayward Rotary has had the opportunity to sponsor an event that meets the needs of so many deserving children,” said Pam Russo, one of the event coordinators for Rotary. “It is gratifying that so many businesses, organizations, and individuals in Hayward continue to step up and support this program.”

Student participants were identified in partnership with the Hayward Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Bureau under the guidance of Dr. Emily Young. At the conclusion of their shopping spree, the students picked out both a backpack stuffed with school necessities and a book donated by Friends of the Hayward Library. During the event, parents and guardians were able relax with coffee and refreshments provided by the Hayward Rotary Club.

More than 150 community members joined Hayward Rotary in volunteering for this project, including staff and students from Moreau High School, volunteers from Hayward Firefighters, Hayward Police Department, Chabot College students, and Redwood Chapel Community Church. This event is all about community collaboration at its best!

In addition to JC Penney and Southland Mall whose generosity made this event possible, the other institutions that sponsored Child Spree include Fremont Bank, Kaiser Permanente, PG&E, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 342, Calpine, and Life Chiropractic College West. Many businesses and individuals also donated generously to this event. Our big-hearted in-kind sponsors were Give Something Back Office Supply, Bank of the West, Sakura of America, and Friends of the Hayward Public Library.