Disadvantaged children go on back-to-school shopping spree in Huntington Beach

Disadvantaged children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley were taken on a back-to-school shopping spree Wednesday, funded by the city’s Auto Dealers Assn.

Fifty children, largely from the blue collar Oak View community, each picked out $100 worth of clothes at the Walmart on Talbert Avenue.

Bill Demarest, a board member of the Huntington Beach Auto Dealers Assn., said the group has been underwriting the shopping spree for the club for about three years.

“They are kids in need, and they need everything you can give them,” Demarest said. “The Boys and Girls Club is important because it keeps kids off the street and gives them something to do.”

Before entering the store, each child was paired with a volunteer adult to monitor the child’s choices. Then the kids were off, cycling through the aisles, filling shopping carts with superhero and “Star Wars” shirts, shoes and other accessories.

Volunteer Karen Faland helps Marisol Lezama, 10, shop for clothing at Walmart in Huntington Beach on Wednesday during the Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley shopping spree.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Logan Moore, 41, of Huntington Beach was tasked with helping Agustin Maldonado, 8, find the necessary accouterments for the first day of school.

Agustin was hoping to get “Minions,” “Star Wars” and “Batman” shirts. He likes to go back to school “looking cool.”

Moore has been volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club for about four years. He said he grew up with a big family and has his own kids now, so he understands giving back to children.

Gina Gonzalez, 52, of Huntington Beach has volunteered with the club before. She said she grew up in a similar way as these children and feels a need to help.

“I don’t like to see people struggle,” Gonzalez said.

The child partnered with Gonzalez was Lizbeth Garcia, 8, who had hairbows and pants in her basket. She was looking forward to picking out shoes.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley has seven locations in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, serving about 10,500 children each year.

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