25 Students Get Back-To-School Shopping Spree

It’s hard to think about sharpened pencils and yellow buses in July, but the first day of school will be here before students and parents know it.

On Tuesday, Target and the Salvation Army teamed up to give some local students an early start with a back-to-school shopping spree.

Seven-year-old Kemper set out with volunteer Katie Berger and a cart. The mission: back-to-school shopping.

“I don’t really like school,” said Kemper.

But the thought became a little more bearable when he picked out a new Transformers backpack, that literally transforms.

“I’ll tell my dad that you can turn it inside out,” said Kemper.

Kemper is one of 25 local students, and 12,000 across the country, given a back-to-school shopping spree by Target and the Salvation Army.

Five-hundred of the Target’s stores gave $80 gift cards to kindergarten through high school students in-need.

“If we give children basic supplies they need, they’ll succeed in school and learn better,” said Target employee Holly Shanklin.

“(It’s) simply amazing to see the children come in and their faces just light up,” said Maj. James Halverson of the Idaho Falls Salvation Army.

Back-to-school signs sent teams sorting through shirts, picking out socks, and starting the year on the right foot.

“My fat foot can’t fit,” said Kemper, trying on shoes.

The only bump along the tile road was one everyone faces while shopping.

“Wanting it all and not having enough to cover it all,” said Berger.

New clothes and shoes are great any time of year, but there’s something special about going back to school with them.

“I think it’s the new clothes,” said Halverson. “To walk back into the classroom with new clothing and look nice, that’s a great thing for these kids.”

It was a great thing that brought ear-to-ear smiles followed by show and tell.

With red bag in hand, Kemper left ready to take on second grade in style.

This is the second year the Ammon Target has participated in the shopping spree.

To help the Idaho Falls-based Salvation Army, call 208-522-7200.