Maxson Students Enjoy Shopping Spree

Maxson Students Enjoy Shopping Spree

   The true spirit of giving was evident as the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers’ Association (NLPOA-SGV) and County Supervisor Hilda Solis hosted a holiday shopping spree at Target for 40 students from Maxson Elementary School in the Mountain View School District. A charter bus picked the students up at school and when they arrived at Target they were paired with a volunteer and given a $75 Target Gift Card for their fun shopping experience.

       According to Lisa Garcia from the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of NLPOA, the group is happy to give back to the community and help kids. 

      “We feel an obligation to give back and mentor and support the youth in the community,” said Garcia.  “El Monte holds a special place in my heart because I grew up there, so doing this for kids from that community is wonderful.  We hold several fundraisers throughout the year to fund events like this and other scholarships.  This is our fourth time providing a shopping spree for students and it is heartwarming to see the kids so happy.”

          The smiles and grateful hearts were abundant as students browsed the aisles in search of the items they wanted including games, toys, clothes, backpacks, school supplies and books.

        “I’m so excited to go shopping,” said Teresa a 3rd grader with her eyes set on all things Barbie.  “I want to get lots of Barbie stuff and maybe some Legos and a new backpack too. These people are so nice to take us shopping,” she added.

         The volunteers included NLPOA-SGV members, law enforcement officers, community members and representatives from the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and others who had a great time helping the students pick out just the right items.

       “I love coming to help and spread joy to the kids,” said El Monte Police Detective, Ed Nafarrate.  “The shopping spree is always a great event for the kids and I’m happy to participate on behalf of our Community Relations Department.”

              Ryan Ferrante, one of the volunteers was more than happy to support the great event. 

      “This is my second year helping out with the holiday shopping spree.  I love being with the kids and seeing their smiles makes me very happy.”

       Along with selecting items for themselves, many students also had the giving spirit and purchased gifts for their parents and siblings, or picked out something the entire family could enjoy like a ginger bread house to decorate.

       “I picked out a pretty bracelet for my mommy,” said Katie, a kindergartner.  “I wanted to get something for her first and I think she’ll like it a lot,” she said.

           Maxson’s principal, Carolina Galaviz was overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity bestowed on her students. 

         “This is such a beautiful gesture by the NLPOA-SGV.  Our students feel very special and we are so grateful to the association and all the volunteers for the wonderful care they showed helping the kids shop and for their extraordinary generosity.”

        “I had a lot of fun,” said Joseph, a kindergarten student.  “My favorite movie is Toy Story and I got some Toy Story toys and I can’t wait to play with them.”

      With their purchases in hand and joy in their hearts, the students exited the store and enjoyed some holiday snacks before boarding the bus back to school.   

       The NLPOA’s motto is “Honoring Family, Education, and Community through Service and Mentorship." That was most definitely modeled at the holiday shopping spree and the Mountain View School District and Maxson School are extremely grateful to the NLPOA – San Gabriel Valley Chapter for their extraordinary kindness and generosity.

 


      

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