Several hundred elementary and middle school children in need in San Benito County will get new winter coats and shoes this year, thanks to the work of two nonprofits.
The Save Mart Community, Arts, Recreation, Education and Sports Foundation—also known as Save Mart CARES—will donate $3,750 to Small Steps, a nonprofit organization in Hollister that buys winter jackets and shoes for more than 300 children each November.
“The need is so great in this community,” said Greg Gilliam, the store manager for the Hollister Lucky Supermarket, in a press release. “We know that if it weren’t for donations like ours, some children will not have warm clothes this winter.”
The Lucky store–on McCray Street—recently changed its name but is still owned by Save Mart, the press release explained.
The first of two shopping spree days will be Nov. 7, and Save Mart will send volunteers to escort some of the kids to a clothing retailer and to help them choose appropriate items. Small Steps indicated on its grant application that each child will receive $100 and is allowed to spend leftover money on other clothing and school supplies.
Last year, Small Steps helped 338 local children, according to the press release. Schools determine what students will benefit from the program, the statement explained.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to Small Steps, mail it to P.O. Box 2137, Hollister, CA, 95024. Donations can also be delivered by hand to 243 Sixth St., Suite 220 in Hollister.
