Local program gives 75 students back-to-school Target shopping spree 

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) -- With the school year beginning for many children in San Diego County, 75 students were taken on a back-to-school shopping spree on Thursday. 

This was organized by the Barrio Logan College Institute, a non-profit with the goal of helping kids be the first in their families to attend college. BLCI programs focus on neighborhoods with low graduation rates and experiencing poverty.  

Students in the BLCI program were given a $100 gift card to Target Mission Valley to spend on school supplies and clothing. Sportswear brand Champion offered giveaways to students as well. 

Megan Evanson, Development Manager for BLCI, said some families in their programs have several children and this opportunity “alleviates some of that financial pressure.” 

“A majority of families we serve are low-income, so being able to save a few hundred dollars on school supplies each year is really helpful for them,” Evanson said.  

Susie Citizen, Target district senior director for central San Diego, said that opportunities like this are important and even some of her employees participated in BLCI growing up. 

“Supporting young people during back-to-back season is really important because every student deserves to go to school and feel like they are on a level playing field with their peers and their friends,” Citizen said.