One hundred Cleveland Elementary School students and their families received a special back-to-school boost recently when Old Navy Santa Barbara opened its doors to participating families for a private shopping event organized through a partnership of local community organizations.
Kiwanis of Santa Barbara and Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, together with Unity Shoppe and Old Navy Santa Barbara, helped local students prepare for the new school year.
Students were selected by Cleveland Elementary School based on need. Kiwanis and Rotary provided funding for $100 Old Navy gift cards and backpacks for each student, while Unity Shoppe provided school supplies to fill the backpacks.
Volunteers from Rotary, Kiwanis, Explore Ecology and New House were present throughout the three-hour event to help families find clothing, locate sizes, check prices, and make the most of their shopping experience.
“Thank you all for the time, energy, and care you gave Cleveland students and their families this past Saturday for back-to-school shopping at Old Navy!” said Xóchitl Tafoya, Cleveland Elementary School principal.
“Your willingness to step up, contribute your skills, and support our families made a huge impact,” Tafoya said. “The impact of this work reflects your generosity and commitment to Santa Barbara kids, and we could not have done it without you. I am grateful.”
As the new school year begins, the event reflects what can happen when local organizations come together to meet a real need in the community, helping students start the school year with new clothes, school supplies, and a little extra confidence, organizers said.
The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise is made up of local business, professional, and civic leaders. We meet regularly, get to know each other, form friendships, and through that, we’re able to get things done in our local and worldwide communities.
The club meets for breakfast the first and third Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the historic Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala St., Santa Barbara.