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Urban Chicago Students Shop With OBI!
Forty-two Chicago inner-city children gathered at Wal-Mart last Thursday. Some had never met before while others currently live in a local shelter together. The need was common -- their parents couldn't afford new school clothes and supplies. But, it was Back-To-School (BTS) time for these students!
Not sure of why they were at Wal-Mart soon became clear to these elementary through high school youth when OBI center leader Jim Parker and regional manager Kreg Vaughne gave them gift certificate cards. "The kids were in disbelief at first." Kreg commented. "Then their faces lit up and they were beyond enthusiastic!"
Four hours flew by as excited kids tried on clothes and shoes as well as picked out backpacks, pencils, and folders while parents made sure purchases were within the gift amount. One mother with three children shared that OBI had helped to turn an extremely stressful and depressing time into a joyful experience. "The most exciting thing to me was talking with the parents," said Kreg. "They were humbled and grateful beyond words."
Evening Star Missionary Church, FCHN, and Tabitha House were also instrumental in making this shopping event a success.
Thank you OBI partners for assisting in helping 42 more children feel confident enough to attend the first day of school!
Help more children around the world have a good academic year...
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