Junior League puts Best Foot Forward

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

The Junior League of Daytona Beach gave at-risk kids their own personal shoppers Sept. 20.

While some had never owned a pair of new shoes, 128 children from four title one schools in Daytona Beach had the chance to get a whole new wardrobe courtesy of The Junior League of Daytona Beach.

Through a partnership with JCPenny, and their own fundraising efforts, the league was able to raise $19,000 to purchase gift cards for the at-risk students. Volunteers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University Pi Kappa Alpha, ERAU Baseball Team, ERAU Basketball Team, Daytona State Volleyball Team, Daytona State Softball Team, Daytona Beach Sharks Basketball Team and students from Daytona State College of Education served as the children’s own personal shoppers for the day.

“We usually get members of the community to volunteer,” The Junior League of Daytona Beach President and Ormond Beach resident Darlynn Tacinelli. “Especially with the boys. It’s much cooler to have a fraternity brother take you shopping than one of us.”

For more than a decade, the league has been providing the unique opportunity for not only the children to experience new clothes, but for the volunteers to see how their service directly impacts the community.

“It’s great for the volunteers to see a child who has never had a new pair of shoes or lots of clothes to pick out whatever they want,” Tacinelli said. “It’s a different experience than donating items or giving hand-me-downs. It’s very touching. You get to watch this kid who’s so excited to pick out his own jacket, and you just walk away with tears in your eyes.