Davis County kicks off the school year with a shopping spree for students in need

CLINTON, Davis County — As students in the Davis School District return to classrooms, hundreds of volunteers are shopping for students in need.

This is all part of the Davis Education Foundation’s Child Spree initiative, which the foundation launched over a decade ago to help students in need start the year with confidence.

On Monday morning, shoppers helped select some of these items that will hopefully be a perfect fit for the student.

“When you think of Davis County, you think, ‘Oh, there’s a lot of money there.’ But the reality is that there’s a significant number of homeless youth in the school district,” says Tanner Merrill, a volunteer shopping assistant.

Volunteers collect the clothes they purchased for each student. (KSL TV)

Jodi Lunt, executive director of the Davis Education Foundation, said what people see in the public doesn’t always tell the whole picture.

“Especially now in today’s economic climate and given the circumstances many families are struggling with as they head back to school, this is truly an incredible gift that takes a burden off parents and helps children be socially and physically prepared to return to school,” Lunt said.

Volunteer shoppers were given a piece of paper with the student’s name and, new this year, a QR code. They scanned the code and a video appeared in which the student revealed things like their favorite colors, favorite clothes and favorite activities.

“They are ready for the second child. We just finished with the first child,” Merrill said.

Three volunteers look at their student’s profile. (KSL TV)

Merrill is a first-time buyer and helps lead and supervise a church youth group. This opportunity teaches one things like gratitude and charity.

“It’s always good to be aware of someone else. Often times, when you’re focused on what someone else needs, you can forget about yourself,” he said.

This year, more than 500 students will start their first day of school in style between three Kohl’s stores in Davis County. With $150 per child plus whatever the shopper wants to donate additionally, this is a way to practically improve the lives of those who need it.

“This gives our young people the opportunity to see that they can make a difference, even in small ways,” Lunt said.