Association Provides Needy Kids A Shopping Trip

SEBRING - Robert Saffold wants to make sure all children receive things they need for Christmas this year, regardless of their economic status.

Saffold, executive secretary of Florida Sportsman Association, and other volunteers will take underprivileged children on a shopping spree, giving them each $60

Saffold said many of the children are from families without employment, families trying to survive on welfare assistance programs or grandparent households.

"We have a lot of situations where children's parents are in jail for drug arrests," Saffold said. "The kids are usually being raised by a grandparent who may have worked hard all their life, but just never made enough money to save for retirement."

Saffold said his group helps make sure those children don't fall through the cracks, and this is the 26th year for the annual shopping spree.

"We are trying to bring pride to the neighborhood and let the youth especially know someone cares about them," Saffold said. "A lot of these children will miss out without a handout this holiday season."

Gwendolyn Armstead, of Sebring, said her 15-year-old son went on the shopping spree last year and bought undershirts, socks, underwear and a bottle of cologne.

"He really enjoyed going shopping," Armstead said. "It really helps me out a lot because my money is short, and it makes the kids feel good to get to have money to spend at the store."

Saffold said this is one of the most popular of about 15 projects FSA sponsors each year.

"We are a group of people trying to get involved with our youth and make changes in our community," Saffold said about FSA.

He is still looking for donations to make the Dec. 23 shopping spree possible. He hopes to raise enough to take 100 children to K-Mart, each with $60 in hand.

"K-Mart is really good to us," Saffold said. "They give us a 10 percent discount and don't charge sales tax, so they kids are able to stretch their money farther."

This year, the emphasis is on necessities, like undergarments, shoes, jackets, clothing and personal hygiene items.

"We try to keep them from buying toys and candy and instead focus on things they need," Saffold said.

The following day, Santa Claus will be at a tent on Lemon Street, giving out presents like bicycles, skateboards, basketballs and stuffed animals.

If he raises enough money, Saffold said he plans to host a dinner on Christmas for members of the community who cannot afford one.

Donations to the shopping spree are tax deductible, and all contributions will be used for this project. Donations must be received by Dec. 20, so organizers can plan how many children can attend. To make a donation, contact Robert Saffold at 381-5166.