Mervyns ChildSpree Serves 136 Children in Redding.
On Saturday, July 19th at 6:30 am, Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS) and the Mervyns ChildSpree® program
helped 136 children participate in a $100 shopping spree to purchase back-to-school clothes, shoes and accessories—an experience they might
not otherwise have. Mervyns provided shopping sprees to 25 children and a 15% discount on their purchases. NVCSS raised funds to extend the program
to 111 additional children, making the event a SuperSpree. The Redding Breakfast Lions Club was a fantastic supporter of Mervyns ChildSpree
by providing a large contribution, as well as securing volunteers from the club to help on the day of the event! Volunteer chaperones assisted the children
in making their selections during the private shopping spree. Each child also received an incredible back-to-school backpack filled with school supplies
donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Local dentists, Dr. Nilges and Dr. Mino added a special package of donated toothbrushes,
toothpaste and floss to each backpack. Breakfast and beverages for the children and the volunteers was provided by McDonald’s, NVCSS,
Heavenly Donuts, and Sue’s Java. The California Highway Patrol’s “Chippie” Chipmunk, the Anderson Moose Clowns and The Hometown Buffet
“Bee” entertained the children, and the local CHP officers provided a security presence for the children at the event.