Several students in need of supplies for the upcoming school year were taken on a shopping spree recently by members of Fort Yuma Rotary Club.

Volunteers from the service organization and area high schools arrived at the JCPenney store at the Yuma Palms Mall at 7:30 a.m. last Saturday to take the 25 students on the Back to School Shopping Spree.

JCPenney opened early to allow the kids time to shop, and provided each child with $100 for clothing and $25 for shoes.

In addition, the Aiello Eye Institute provided backpacks filled with school supplies and Allure Hair Salon provided free hair cuts for all 25 children.

Other companies who sponsored the event included Payless Shoes, 16th Street Dental Care, American Transmission, Don Peterson Engineering, Yuma Wellness Center, David Ellis and Associates, Mission Plumbing, Yuma Vision Center, Sam's Club, The Flower Mine and Klein's Kustom Electric.

“By providing these kids with the supplies and clothing they may not have otherwise been able to afford, we are sending them to school well-prepared and confident,” said Fort Yuma Rotarian Marlene Aiello, chairwoman of the school shopping spree program.

“Beginning the school year with confidence can greatly affect motivation and provide a child with the enthusiasm he or she will need to persevere and adapt to the challenges of a new school year. Studies have shown that academic success is strongly linked to good health and a positive attitude.”

Funds for the shopping spree were raised through Fort Yuma Rotary's Mardi Gras Block Party and Pars Under the Stars Golf Tournament.

“The Back to School Shopping Spree event was fun and rewarding for all involved,” said Cindy Landin, Fort Yuma Rotary Club community relations chairwoman.

“A special thanks to all of the sponsors, volunteers and to all of the organizations who provided the opportunity for these kids. We look forward to making the event even more successful next year!”

For more information about Fort Yuma Rotary Club, log onto www.clubrunner.ca/fortyuma/.

Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.