The Rotary Club of Simi Sunset partners with the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley and Kohl’s Department Stores to ensure that the children of families in need start their school year with confidence and enthusiasm.
Prior to the start of the school year, Rotarians meet with the Director of the Samaritan Center who identifies families with school age children in need of back-to-school shoes and clothes.
We meet with the Manager of Kohl’s Department Store to establish the event date, determine the Kohl’s discount that can be utilized, and finalize the particulars. The day of the event, Kohl’s opens their doors an hour early exclusively to support the event.
This year the program supported, 14 families with a total of 30 children. $8,056 worth of shoes, socks, pants and shirts were placed into the shopping carts. Thanks to the Kohl’s discounts, and Kohl’s Cash, the final cost to the Rotary Club was less than $4,500. During the event each and every family was extremely appreciative. One Mom with two children in tow walked up and whispered into the club president's ear, “God Bless You!”
This year, 30 children from very needy families began their school year a little more confidently and with a little more enthusiasm thanks to the efforts of Rotary and the “Shoes for Little Souls” program.