The Cupertino Courier

Photograph by Christian Del Rosario

DARE officer Steffanie Turini demonstrates the siren in her squad car during a shopping spree for local kids at Mervyn's.

Kids get a free spree to prepare for school

Mervyn's provides clothes; CCS and Salvation Army provide the local children

By Pam Marino

Fifty local children from needy families were treated to a special spending spree at the Cupertino Mervyn's store, just in time for going back to school.

One Cupertino girl, Amanda, 8, took time away from her cinnamon-raisin bagel with cream cheese to share that she picked out suede shoes and some new jumpers. Bianca, also 8, from west San Jose proudly showed the jeans, shirts, overalls, purple dress and socks she chose. She kept her new underwear in the bag.

The event, held on Saturday, Aug. 9, was part of Mervyn's nationwide "ChildSpree," a benefit for more than 15,000 children. Cupertino Community Services (CCS) and the Salvation Army helped choose the 50 local children, ages 4 to 12, who attended. About half were from Cupertino; others were from west San Jose and surrounding areas.

Each child got to spend up to $100 at the store, and Mervyn's discounted all the sales by 10 percent. Afterward the children were treated to breakfast, face painting by store employees and a visit by a Santa Clara County fire truck. Drug awareness officer Steffanie Turini took some of the kids to her squad car to show them how the siren works.

One boy said he was grateful for all the new stuff, including a new backpack filled with school supplies.

"It's better than going to school with just a couple of things," said Kavh, 11, from Saratoga. He got some new pants, a wallet and a belt, and six "No Rules" T-shirts.

"That's very important," laughed his chaperone, Sharon Blaine, when he mentioned the brand name. Blaine, a Cupertino resident, joined other Cupertino volunteers in assisting the kids with their purchases. Students from Key Clubs at Monta Vista and Leland high schools also helped.

The Cupertino Mervyn's store also called on its neighbors--McWhorter's Stationers, Let's Party, Noah's Bagels, Starbucks and Long's Drugs--to provide decorations, food and giveaways for the children. McDonald's provided egg McMuffins and other food. Other sponsors of the event included the Kiwanis Club and the Lion's Club.

In addition to the backpacks, other giveaways included free tickets to a San Jose Giants game and Supercuts haircuts.

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