A Norton Elementary fifth-grader was thrilled to get school supplies so he could color pictures and pursue his career as an artist and musician.
Logan Robbins, 10, eagerly filled his cart with items like brightly colored folders, No. 2 pencils, a black and white marbleized notebook and “The Avengers’” Hulk glove. He said he has a superhero name, like the Marvel character.
Logan, alongside nine other Alachua County Public School students ranging from elementary to high school, were given the opportunity to each spend $100 on necessary clothes and supplies for the new school year Saturday morning.
Gainesville Police teamed up with representatives from Walmart to provide the program for children in need. This is the second year the program has taken place.
All the money used during the shopping spree was donated from Walmart to ServiceFirst, a nonprofit that aims to supply families with basic needs.
“Some of these kids don’t have things that they need to go to school,” said Sgt. Ariel Lugo, GPD school resource officer and founder of ServiceFirst.
Lugo explained the importance of providing for the children of the community and identifying their needs.
“Since we see them everyday, we can identify the kids,” Lugo said, “we can come here, you know, every once in a while (and) get them what they need.”
Alan Davis, Metcalfe Elementary school resource officer and one of the helpers in attendance at the event, said his favorite aspect of the program is seeing the big smiles on the faces of the kids when they shop for their items.
“This gives us the opportunity to be with the kids, shop with the kids and provide them with some things they really need,” said Davis.
Lugo said he definitely hopes to continue this program in the future and add more charitable events throughout the year.
Follow Dana Cassidy on Twitter @danacassidy and contact her at dcassidy@alligator.org.
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All of the GPD School Resource Officers with the children and their purchased items.
Logan Robbins sitting in his shopping cart of purchased items.
School resource officer pictured with Logan Robbins (green shirt) and Nyla Francois, 10, (pink shirt) and a Walmart employee.
