Junior League gets kids ready for school with shopping event

Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

On Sunday, Aug. 6, the Junior League of Tallahassee (JLT) provided a back-to-school shopping experience, Kids’ Boutique for local children. Hosted at Kohl’s, the 27th annual shopping event welcomed 149 students and their families. Each child was given a set allowance, offered a personal shopping assistant, and given the opportunity to pick out new clothes and shoes for the school year.

“Through our Kids’ Boutique back-to-school shopping event, our volunteers strive to provide more than just school supplies and clothes,” said JLT President Carla Juarez Farley. “We aspire to spark confidence and excitement in the students participating in this event so they feel ready to take on a new academic year, feeling empowered to reach their fullest potential.”

Junior League of Tallahassee welcomed 149 students and their families for the 27th annual Kids Boutique shopping event hosted at Kohl’s on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.
Junior League of Tallahassee welcomed 149 students and their families for the 27th annual Kids Boutique shopping event hosted at Kohl’s on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.

“I’m incredibly proud of my committee and our volunteers for pouring their hearts into organizing and executing this year’s Kids’ Boutique,” said Kids’ Boutique Chair Lauren Soto. “Because of their hard work and the generosity of our donors and partners, we were able to give 149 students a truly exceptional experience.”

After the students finished shopping, they got to select a backpack stocked with all the school supplies they will need for the coming academic year. Additionally, a community fair offered resources and treats from partners the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region, Florida Healthy Kids, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, PBS Kids, St. John’s Choir School, Tallahassee Police Department, and WFSU.

JLT worked directly with guidance counselors in Leon County schools to identify children most in need of essential school items. Through the generosity of our sponsors and donors — Arbor Properties, CycleBar Tallahassee, District 850, Drip Drop Fitness, Smile in Style, Staples, Stege Contracting, Talbots, Target Print and Mail, Quarter Moon, and Wildside Nutrition — JLT was able to offer this opportunity to 149 children in the Tallahassee community.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Junior League of Tallahassee aims to boost excitement with shopping