Local organization provides families in need with a $200 shopping spree at Target: ‘Grateful for the giving hearts’

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Christmas came a little early this year for families in need. All thanks to community outreach and the College Station Rotary Club. Many residents shared tears, laughter, and joy.

London Hart is the mother of two young children. She shared with KBTX that they’ve been staying at a local homeless shelter for the past five months.

“Grateful for the giving hearts,” Hart expressed. “I’m a mother that gives. Kids have growth spurts, so I gave out not knowing where that next was going to come from.”

The College Station Rotary Club held its 24th annual Clothing for Kids event. One hundred children and their families got to go on a $200 shopping spree at Target.

“Underwear, socks, stockings, jackets, just to layer up,” Hart said.

The Rotary Club raised $40,000 to make it happen, and Target gave everyone a 5% discount and a $500 gift card to go toward the event.

The president of the College Station Rotary Club, Mynade Kessler, says it breaks her heart knowing people in our community face hardships during the holiday season.

“These kids want to run in there because this, for some of them, it is going to be the only Christmas that they get,” Kessler said. “Last year, as a matter of fact, we had a family that was living in a car, and we just don’t think that happens in our community, but it does.”

However, for London, things got a little bit better, especially knowing her kids would stay warm during the holidays.

“I’m excited! Ahhhhhh! It’s like the joy is here,” Hart expressed.

Each family got to spend $200 on necessary items like socks, jackets, shoes, and gloves. Additionally, on their way out, they got to pick out some children’s books and a warm breakfast taco for each family member.

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