Local children will be helped during KidSpree, an annual event that provides new school clothing to under-served children and youth in San Luis Obispo County. With the community’s aid, young people can be ready to go back to school this fall with pride and self-esteem, and more prepared to succeed.

United Way of San Luis Obispo County, in partnership with Kohl’s, has set a goal to help 300 local children during this year’s event on Sunday, July 24 at both the Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo Kohl’s stores. 

“KidSpree allows the community to help children have a more positive educational experience, while also helping families through these tough economic times,” said United Way of SLO County CEO, Rick London.
For every $100 raised, a child will be able to participate in KidSpree at Kohl’s in Paso Robles or San Luis Obispo.

Donations of any amount are accepted. United Way is partnering with local nonprofit agencies that nominate the children for participation. The San Luis Obispo County YMCA is screening volunteers by offering free fingerprinting. The Bay-Osos and San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Kiwanis Clubs are serving breakfast to the children in San Luis Obispo, and the North County Kiwanis Clubs are working together to serve breakfast in Paso Robles.

Children chosen to participate in KidSpree are paired with an adult community volunteer, who assists them in shopping for the items they most want and need. All volunteers were required to be fingerprinted by July 8 in order to shop with a child; additional volunteers are needed to help with event set-up and check-in. Kohl’s offers numerous discounted items as well as no sales tax during KidSpree, and children are able to shop in privacy before the store opens to the general public.

Download a volunteer/donor interest form from United Way’s website at www.unitedwayslo.org; checks earmarked for “KidSpree” can be mailed to United Way at P.O. Box 14309, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. For more information, contact Suzy Sittig at (805) 541-1234.