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Volunteers get ready for 'Kids Shopping Day of Lawrence County'  Share
Most people have a natural instinct to help others wherever and whenever they can. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Lawrence Countians will come together at Central Christian Church, 303 Buchanan Dr., Lawrenceville, to outwardly show their compassion and support of children entering pre-k through eighth grades for the 2009-10 school year with ''Kids Shopping Day of Lawrence County.'' The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. for children to go ''shopping'' for two new outfits, shoes, socks, underwear, backpacks, school supplies and personal hygiene items. The church will be set up like a department store with the Sunday School rooms becoming shoe stores and dressing rooms, the sanctuary becoming transformed into a storage area, and the coat closet becoming filled with backpacks and school supplies. The part of the ''shopping'' experience that parents or guardians will be grateful for is that it is all at no cost. There are no requirements or financial guidelines dictating recipients of the items. All children may participate. The children are only asked their first name in order that volunteers may personalize the experience for them. Last year, 90 volunteers assisted 400 children in finding articles to get the children prepared for school. It is on a first-come, first-served basis which can involve waiting. However, organizers are hopeful that there will be enough volunteers this yearto get more than 100 children per hour through the shopping experience. Children register when they arrive and wait their turn. The children may try on the clothes to make sure that they fit. If alterations need to be made, clothes are hemmed on the spot by a team of experienced volunteer seamstresses.
Volunteers are always needed and may call Helen Hanson at 943-1021 for more information. Or, volunteers may just arrive at the First United Methodist Church, 12th & Lexington Streets in Lawrenceville, wearing a red shirt, to be bussed before 8:30 a.m. to Central Christian Church. Bussing is necessary due to the parking lot overflow at the shopping site.The first bus pickup is at 7:20 a.m. and the last bus will pick up volunteers at 8:30 a.m. ''It's a long day,'' Hanson said. Describing the experience in the words of Kristi Dutton, ''Kids Shopping Day of Lawrence County'' board president, she proclaimed, ''we are exhausted and exhilarated.'' The event doesn't just start and end on August 1. A lot of planning and shopping on the part of seven original board members who formed the non-profit organization and 19 area churches donate their time and efforts throughout the year. The board meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Central Christian Church, with the exception of August and December. Individual board members begin shopping ''when sales go on in August,'' Hanson said. ''We're the green tag people,'' she added. Hanson said they strive to get mostly new clothes because some of the children who have participated in the ''Kids Shopping Day'' in the past look at the tags as if they've never had new clothes. Some have also hesitated to try on the clothes because they could not afford to wear under garments. Throughout the year, churches designate different Sundays for gathering specific items for the shopping day. Items such as shampoo, toothpaste and soap are provided through that outlet. Local dentists also donate toothbrushes. While items are still being donated and counted, it is anticipated that nine pairs of underwear and socks will be given to each child. There are enough clothes to outfit 600 children. Last year, volunteers built 34 dressing rooms out of furring strips and plastic for the children to try on the clothes. ''Kids Shopping Day of Lawrence County'' is a county-wide mission. It began as Dutton was invited through an acquaintance from a similar organization, led by the Bethel Methodist Church, in Washington, Ind. After the experience, she felt called to start the ''Kids Shopping Day'' in Lawrence County. On July 29, 2006, the first one was held in Lawrence County with 168 children participating. At that time, only children in kindergarten through fifth grades from the community of Lawrenceville participated. ''Now, it's the county's baby,'' Hanson said. Although the organization can somewhat predict attendance outcomes of the event, they still have no idea how many or what sizes to have on hand. ''It's faith-based and we lean on prayer. It's a loaves and fishes ministry,'' Hanson said. Following the event, volunteers will be rewarded with a celebration dinner at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Central Christian Church. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
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