Leaders Launching Learners

Last August, I rose early on a Saturday morning and drove to a nearby Target before it opened. It was a few minutes past 7:30am when I hastily pulled into the parking lot. I looked toward the store's entrance and saw a sea of Salvation Army volunteers in light blue T-shirts, eagerly awaiting the arrival of hundreds of back-to-school shoppers.

This unique sight was happening all throughout the Twin Cities as 850 kids participated in the first ever "Leaders Launching Learners" back-to-school shopping event. This giant shopping spree enabled kids from families in need to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothing, as each child spent $100 with guidance from a volunteer chaperone.

As I pulled on my own light blue T-shirt and prepared for the arrival of the kids, I worried that I'd spend my morning convincing children not to spend the money on candy and other non-necessities, but that was definitely not the case. I was "assigned" a delightful 11-year old girl, who was prepared with a list of what she needed, right down to the sizes she wore. I looked around and realized all of the kids had lists. She eagerly picked out a backpack, some socks, and several outfits, before we headed for the check-out. As the cashier rang up her items, she told me, "I'm so happy. This year when I go back to school I won't have to be embarrassed or worry about getting made fun of because I'm wearing clothes that I've outgrown or using a backpack that is falling apart. I'll be just like everyone else."

I quickly realized that the idea of using the money for candy or toys was far from her mind (which was good, since it was against the shopping rules anyway). All she wanted was to have enough basic necessities to fit in. She just wanted to be a normal kid instead of worrying about money, and I was blessed to be a part of that experience.

On August 22, year two of Leaders Launching Learners will take place at ten different department stores throughout the Twin Cities, and we need over 850 volunteers to help the kids shop. Check out the website for more information or to sign up, and spread the word to others who might be interested. This is truly a unique experience that you'll want to be a part of.