PALMDALE — One hundred and fifty-three foster youth participated in the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services’ school shopping event hosted Aug. 21 by Old Navy clothing company, the second such event of the year.
The previous event held in March served approximately 85 foster youth.
The Antelope Valley has over 3,000 foster students placed in foster care, a system in which a minor is placed into a private home, group home or with a family member approved by the state and monitored closely through Children and Family Services.
Fifty volunteer shoppers were on hand to escort students one-on-one through Old Navy, selecting $100 worth of clothing and picking up a duffel bag donated by the Kiwanis Club of Palmdale West and a backpack stuffed with school supplies donated by Walmart. Old Navy provided an additional 10% discount at the register, allowing youth to use the entire $100 on clothing.
Staci Holliday, owner/operator of Wetzel’s Pretzels, spearheaded the event gathering $100 donations totaling $10,300 while the Kiwanis Club provided funds for 85 youth. Additionally, free haircuts were provided by Signature Barbering.
Elena Esquer, president of the Kiwanis Club praised Holliday’s efforts.
“It’s clear to everyone that Staci’s organizational skills combined with her love of giving, has truly touched the lives of these children,” Esquer said. “Tonight, the children were grateful, and you can see their delight when choosing their outfits without worry. Without Staci’s tenacity and belief that all children deserve to have new clothes for school, this event would not have happened.”
Michelle Penez, assistant regional administrator at the Palmdale DCFS location, along with Debby Clinkenbeard, mall property marketing manager, not only worked together to organize the logistics for the event but also were able to secure additional space for vendors who serve foster youth and their families allowing families to gather additional information about services available for their children.
“I cannot believe how wonderful this community is … giving both in time and resources to ensure a great start of the school year for our children is beyond amazing,” Penez said.
Volunteers included Palmdale Sheriff’s Station deputies, participants in the Sheriff’s Explorers Program, Kiwanis Club of Palmdale West, Assistance League of Antelope Valley, Delta Kappa Gamma, Greater Works Church, Palmdale School District and The Palmdale Aerospace Academy.