Going back to school is a time for excitement, full of new friends, new teachers, and endless possibilities. For many children it’s also a time for new school supplies and new clothes. For some students, having new school clothes is the greatest barrier they may face this time of year. Sometimes, a new school outfit can be the simple solution to an otherwise socially anxious situation.
For 425 of Granite School District’s most vulnerable students, Discover Financial Services is providing a unique one-day back-to-school Shop-a-thon on Saturday, 21 September 2024. Each student will be paired with a Discover volunteer and will be given a generous $250 shopping spree at the Kohl’s in West Valley City (3031 South 5600 West). Breakfast and additional services, such as dental checkups, vision exams, and haircuts, will be provided by partnering organizations. To make this event more of a party and celebration, there will be music, superheroes, carnival games, and other entertainment!
“The ability to support kids in obtaining basic needs and contribute to growing their confidence when they go back to school is the best part of the annual Shop-A-Thon event,” said Rich Simon, Director of Consumer Lending Bank Operations at Discover. “This is the sixth time we have been a part of this event and each year it gets bigger and better and the experience of seeing hundreds of Discover volunteers participating is unmatched.”
“With 1,500 students experiencing homelessness, over half of Utah’s refugee population, and 47% of students qualifying for ‘Free and Reduced Lunch,’ Granite School District faces a multitude of challenges when it comes to providing an equitable and successful learning environment. The true impact is incalculable, but the smiles, tears, and relief on the faces of students and families always demonstrates just how important this event is for the Granite community,” said Remi Prince, Programs Manager for the Granite Education Foundation.
