Hollywood Jaycees member Ciara Biederman participated in her first shopping spree with youth from the Children’s Home Society.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLYWOOD JAYCEES

Staff Report

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The Hollywood Jaycees and volunteers from the community assisted over 110 pre-selected children from the Children’s Home Society’s Foster Care Program, Hope South Florida, that assists formerly homeless families with transitioning into independent housing, and other children who reside in low-income households at the annual Jaycee’s Children’s Back to School Shopping Spree.

The shopping sprees were held August 56 at the Kmart located in Oakwood Plaza, which opened its doors an hour early for the events as they have done for the past 10 years.

Each volunteer was given a $110 gift card to purchase school supplies, clothing and/or shoes of the child’s choice. Six teachers, who are employed at local Broward County schools that have large concentrations of low-income students also received a gift card for classroom supplies.

Volunteers included City of Hollywood Commissioners Kevin Biederman and Debra Case, Broward County School Board Member Ann Murray, Superintendent Robert Runcie, Alpha Omega Lodge #357 The Companions of Johnny L. King Council #27, Above & Beyond Party Planning, Bubba Gump Employees, Florida JCI Senate, Dania Beach Lions President Jim Silvernale, Hollywood Lions club members, Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and CEC supporters, The Jaycees offered special thanks to Shekar Reddy from the Gummaconda Reddy Foundation, which has been the Presenting Sponsor for the past five years, and the Biederman family for choosing them as their charity of choice for donations made in the name of Marty Biederman and to Jamie Mardis from Koffee Kult as well as many other wonderful donors.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor my grandfather than to help children in need. I had the pleasure of shopping with two children from a local shelter and it couldn’t have been more humbling. I just wish we could help all of the children in need, ” said Ciara Biederman, daughter of Hollywood Commissioner Kevin Biederman.

The Greater Hollywood Junior Chamber of Commerce, also known as the “Jaycees,” is an organization of individuals, ages 18 through 40, whose focus is on charitable involvement, social activities, developing leadership skills and creating business opportunities.

For more information about how to be an event sponsor for any of the numerous charitable events held each year or to become a member of the Jaycees, visit www.hollywoodfljaycees.com or contact the Executive Director, Debra Gronvold at 954-981-4378 or debjaycee@gmail.com.