Twenty-four local students were able to get the pencils, notebooks, backpacks and new clothes needed to start the school year out right, thanks to a program through Target.  On Monday, each of the 24 students, selected by the Turlock Salvation Army, was awarded an $80 Target Gift Card to purchase much-needed back-to-school supplies and clothes.

“The Salvation Army and Target are helping K-12 students across the city gear up for the upcoming academic year with the Target School Spree,” said Major Debi Shrum from Turlock Salvation Army.  “This is an exciting time for us because it will be the first year that we are given the opportunity to partner up together and help students get their supplies in time for school.”

 A survey released by the National Retail Federation found that people will spend a total of $688 per family on back-to-school shopping, which is 10 percent more than last year’s cost.

“Costs of school supplies have increased dramatically throughout the years, and it is becoming more difficult for parents to cover the costs.  That is why The Salvation Army is pleased to be able to offer this special shopping spree to students and alleviate some of the burden of costly back-to-school preparation,” added Shrum.

As part of the Target School Spree, Target awarded all 40 of The Salvation Army Divisions nationwide a total of $1 million in Target Gift Cards and in-kind contributions for the shopping sprees.

 Siblings Steven, Rosie, and Ashley Rosas were among the 24 students selected by the Salvation Army to receive back-to-school shopping sprees.

“We are given by the Salvation Army a school supplies list that lists down all the materials that we will need for the school year,” said Rosie Rosas.  “We are also paired up with a volunteer chaperone to make sure we purchased everything included on the check list.”

Nearly 500 Target stores will participate in the Target School Spree event between July 16 and Sept. 15 in select regions across the country.

“Thanks to Target I have all the supplies I need to start off the year school year strong,” said Rosie.