TYLER (KYTX) - As summer winds down a special group of East Texas students spent their morning on a back to school shopping spree. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson met with the 13 shoppers after they stocked up on supplies.
With another school year about to begin, 13 Tyler ISD students took care of some back to school shopping - for free.
"Very thankful that the Salvation Army would buy our stuff and give us gift cards," said Felicity Richey, headed to fourth grade.
Target donated $80 gift cards to the Salvation Army to help kids get the supplies they need.
"This is the third year of doing that for us so we're very blessed for them to provide those things," said Tyler Salvation Army Youth Pastor Roger Galabeas.
He said the shoppers are selected based on need and input from other Salvation Army programs. "School supplies and uniforms can be pretty costly so this is definitely a big help for a lot of families."
The most popular purchase: new shoes.
"I have a new old pair. It's new to me but they've already been worn from somebody else." But now Noah Richey has new kicks all his own. "It makes me ready, more ready."
The most challenging item on the shopping list - uniforms.
"The only thing I got was shorts because they didn't have any in my size," explained Raul Flores.
"When they run out of the colors and you have to keep on looking," Felicity added.
But with two pairs of pants and two shirts in hand, Felicity said she's excited to be back in school. "Because we get to learn and do more stuff."
"It's exciting to see them excited about school," Galabeas said. "And with Target helping them with this it's given them a great start to the school year."
A school year quickly approaching and the first day essentials are already in the bag.
Even though tax free weekend is over, Target helped the shoppers stretch their dollars even more by not charging tax on the items they bought.
