Homeless kids get back-to-school shopping spree

Children from Sulzbacher Center get $50 each to shop at Old Navy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Homeless students returning to classes in Duval County will have a back-to-school wardrobe they can feel confident wearing, thanks to a shopping campaign by the Sulzbacher Center.

Old Navy opened Tuesday morning for about 125 children, who receive services from the center. The children each had a $50 gift card to shop at the store for back-to-school outfits.

"I can't wait to see my friends again and just have fun," 12-year-old Miracle Flowers said. "Thank you for this because Old Navy is the best place."

This marks the sixth year Old Navy has provided a discounted shopping trip for children whose families can't afford new clothes for school.

Donors stepped up to help the children, who shopped with a Sulzbacher Center staff member and a parent.

"It was actually pretty fun, because she helped me, and I got some of the stuff I need for school, and my mom is really happy," Miracle said.

One father of three said the center helped him get back on his feet and take care of his children.

"I never had a place of my own before, and now I do because of them, and I appreciate that," Timothy Laster said.

The Sulzbacher Center provides daily meals, safe shelter, job placement and health care for more than 340 homeless members of the Jacksonville community -- many of whom are children.

Now those children will be ready and confident to go back to school, dressed for success.