Christmas will come at least once this year for over 60 North Bay children, thanks to three local Active 20-30 clubs.  KidSpree, a national Active 20-30 club event, took place early morning on Saturday, August 14 at Kohl’s in Petaluma.   Over 75 volunteers took local kids on a back to school shopping in preparation for the beginning of the school year.

Three local Active 20-30 clubs, Sebastopol #63, Petaluma #30, and North Bay #656 teamed up to send 65 children from Rohnert Park, Petaluma, and West County on a back to school shopping trip to remember.

Armed with a $150 gift card, Active 20-30 volunteers accompanied the children while they shopped.  Volunteers offered budgeting help and an extra hand to help with purchases.  Children were also given a new backpack filled with school pencils, pens, paper, markers, and other school supplies.

When the children were finished shopping, local volunteer hairstylists were on hand to offer haircuts.  In addition, children, parents, and volunteers were provided a hearty breakfast donated by Sally Tomatoes.

Local resident and volunteer Meaghan Plattner, of the America Heart Association, marveled at the number of families who were helped during the event.  “It was amazing that we were about to support so many families in need.”

According to Samantha Mineo, Sebastopol #63 Charter President, Active 20-30 members are no strangers to the heartwarming effect of KidSpree.  “We look forward to KidSpree every year because every time you see the smile on the kids’ faces it makes all the hard work of fundraising worth it.”  Members coordinate their efforts all year long in order to make this event, an many others, a reality for local in-need children.

Assisting with the event were many local organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kappa Theta Zeta, and the YWCA.

Since 1922, Active 20-30 US & Canada provides young adults with an opportunity for personal growth, life long friendships, and leadership development while working together to improve the quality of life for special needs children in our community.  Active 20-30 is open to ages 20-39 and usually meets twice per month in addition fundraising events.  The Sebastopol #63, Petaluma #30, and North Bay #656 Clubs can be found at www.sebastopol2030.com, www.petaluma2030.com, and www.20-30club.com.