Shopping success occurs when everybody is happy, right? The children with their clothes, the house parents with one less worry, the store with its community service, and the givers with the glow in their hearts.
Definitely, the Kohl’s shopping spree for Sunshine Acres Children’s Home was a greater success than ever. The Red Mountain Ranch Ladies Golf Association (LGA) invited 105 children and staffers from Sunshine Acres to this annual event.
“We are so blessed in Red Mountain with so many generous people,” organizer Patty Altmaier shared. “We raised enough funds to increase the allowance to $110 per person this year.” Patty did not have much time to talk, as she and her co-organizer Judy Thompson were busy at the checkout, helping with the final transactions.
The spree required just as many helpers as there were young shoppers. But there was no lack of volunteers. Many helpers come back year after year. Why? This spree is a first-hand experience of how a difference is made.
Let’s say, there was a lot of learning taking place. Helene Irvine took Christian, age 14, to the price check to tally up the purchases with a calculator. “He was well in charge of his budget,” she stated. Helen also learned Christian likes the Beatles.
Carol Lewis hit the racks with Aaliyaha, age 11. “I like flowery shirts with lace,” Aaliyaha said, as she was scouting for the right size. “Look, the original price was $34, now it’s only $18,” Carol pointed out. They made a great team.
Angelo, age 10, introduced Jane Comerford to a whole other world of boys’ interests. “Angelo selected a lot of smart clothes,” Jane said. “He picked a Minecraft T-shirt and a zippy sweatshirt. These things were all new to me. I learned a lot.”
Within an hour’s time, shoppers and helpers had bonded quite well. Anne King took Amberly, 12 years old, to select a white shirt. She plays the violin and needed to complete her orchestra uniform at Shepherd Junior
High School.
Terry Degaust discovered her shopper, Matthew, age 13, was a “…gentleman who knows what he likes,” and a “…great shopper.” Dottie Ivankoe and Caitlyn, age 15, browsed for shoes, preferably plain ones because Caitlyn didn’t like too much color.
Additionally, there were special requests in need of authorization. Pat Favier’s shopper Whyatt, 12 years old, a real football aficionado, had bought all sports clothes. As he got the go-ahead on a pair of headphones as well, he seemed truly happy.
Getting what you want and something new for a change—taken for granted by many of us—is a wish come true for the children from Sunshine Acres. After so many years, the LGA has moved on with the spree into the
next generation.
Chris Apodaca, 25 years of age, who shopped for his small children, Malina and Jaden, grew up at Sunshine Acres. He has lived there for 15 years, and has become the manager of the store and donation department. He has been on a number of previous shopping sprees.
“Cindy Humphrey [program director and granddaughter of the founders] took care of me when I was 10 years old, got me a job and got me started. She is like a mother to me,” Chris said.
“It is amazing what Sunshine Acres provides,” Chris concluded. “I stayed on with them because I believe in paying it forward and giving back to the community.” Such a spark of faith also inspires the Red Mountain community each time at the Kohl’s spree.
To find out more about Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, located at 3405 N. Higley Road, and its volunteer possibilities, call (480) 832-2540, or visit their Web site at www.sunshineacres.org.