Shopping spree for underprivileged kids needs donations

Over the years, Christmas has been made brighter for hundreds of Highlands County children through the contributions of numerous individuals, corporations and organizations.

The Florida Sportsmen's Association has appealed for local financial support to benefit its 28th annual shopping spree for underprivileged children in Highlands County, which will be held starting at 10 a.m., Dec. 23, at Kmart.

The Florida Sportsmen's Association purchases Kmart gift cards. In previous years Kmart gave a 10 percent discount at the register for the kids and absorbed their sales tax.

"Last year $60 was given (as a Kmart gift card) to each of 86 children and they were taken to the mall to shop," said Robert Saffold, the Florida Sportsmen's president. "As always our emphasis is on necessities such as underwear, shoes, socks, clothing and personal hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste."

The kids came in droves waiting and hoping their names would be called to receive a gift card. The gift cards were also valid at Sears.

While the children can pick out a toy, it's not just about getting toys, he said. They are hoping to get gift cards to more than 100 children this year.

"They may be the sons, daughters and grandchildren of your neighbors," he said. "Many are from families without employment, or single-parent families trying to survive on assistance programs. Some come from grandparent-headed families who are doing their best to substitute for parents who are drug addicted or in prison."

The Florida Sportsmen's Association has also set aside a time for these and other children to meet Santa Claus; sit on his knee and enjoy the wonders of Christmas, he said. That will happen on Dec. 24.

Last year the group fed and gave a toy or gift to more than 300 children.

"All of them got something," Saffold said.

Saffold will accept donations of toys for that event. All of the funds collected are used for this program, he said.

Saffold is also looking for corporate sponsors who could provide funds, discounts or store credits, so they can make those available to a predetermined number of children.

For many years Bealls Outlet has been one of those sponsors providing several gift certificates for its store next to Publix in Sebring, said Saffold. This has been a great help when the gift cards ran out and there were still kids waiting, hoping.

"This year the number of applications submitted for this program has grown substantially," said Saffold. "Consequently we are facing the possibility of not being able to assist every applicant."

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can send a check payable to Florida Sportsmen's Association Inc. care of Robert Saffold, 608 Bowman Ave., Sebring, Fla., 33870. Mark the check memo section Children's Shopping Spree.

There are special participation forms available for anyone wanting to get involved in this charitable project, by calling Saffold at 863-381-5166 or Barbara Walker at 863-385-6662.