PALMDALE — Nonprofit organization Solé of the CommUNITY kicked off its second annual shopping spree to help children in need of clothing for school on Aug. 10 in collaboration with JCPenney.
The event was hosted by the founder and CEO, Nashon Mitchell, at the Antelope Valley Mall. The nonprofit has dedicated three years of service in helping single-family homes have access to resources for their children, wellness support and holistic healing.
Solé of the CommUNITY, along with community leaders, worked together with the idea of a shopping spree. This relationship helped to create this event in partnership with JCPenney.
“We took the initiative to contact the store managers at JCPenney, which bridged the relationship between our organization and JCPenney,” Mitchell said.
With more than 400 registered children who reside in the Antelope Valley, they were able to serve 21 families in total, and each child received a $200 gift card to shop for clothing for their back-to-school needs. Each child was given a mentor, known as community pioneers, to shop with and learn the importance of shopping on a budget. The final contestants were selected through a random lottery process that was streamed live via Instagram.
“We conducted the drawing through an Instagram Live event, allowing the community to witness the selection of our winners,” Mitchell said.
Families expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be able to spend one-on-one time with their children and get help with much needed clothing for their children.
“I really enjoyed the event and spending time alone with my daughter,” parent winner Magdalena Perez said. “I am extremely grateful to have been a part of the shopping spree. As a mother of an 8-year-old and 6-year-old who will be attending school, it is a huge help. My daughter loved being the center of attention that day, and she had a lot of fun. She said it was the best day ever.”
“Each child had a very fun and educational experience,” Mitchell said.
“The shopping spree at JCPenney with Solé of the CommUNITY was amazing,” mentor Shawn Cannon said. “To be able to be a part of an event that centers around supporting families in need is incredible. What we did with this event was give children the confidence and resources that are needed to have a successful school year. I am honored to have played a small part in something so impactful.”
During these difficult times parents expressed their thankfulness for the event and stated how much they really needed the help.
“My kid was over the moon and thrilled at winning the JCPenney shopping spree,” parent winner Bre said. “The chance to pick out new clothes for school and enjoy the experience of choosing items she liked was a great experience. It saved me some money and I was able to put that towards a car repair. I felt joy and my daughter felt very special.”
Mitchell envisions a long-term collaboration, eager to support children in the Antelope Valley who need services and resources.
