Each year, we see a lot of clothing programs for underprivileged kids just before school starts.
But the need is year 'round.
The Junior League of the Emerald Coast teamed up with Target for the 31st annual “Child Clothing Project” in Mary Esther today.
The shopping spree for Okaloosa and Walton elementary school students was worth more than money could buy.
Target opened its doors Tuesday for a big crowd of little shoppers, but these kids are far from shop-a-holics.
In fact, a shopping spree is something they rarely get to experience.

The kids filed in by the dozen, but they're only a handful of the nearly 7-thousand children who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs in Okaloosa and Walton county schools.
Rachel Morrison is a member of the Junior League Organization and says they’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go.
"We were able to clothe 310 children this year. That’s a small drop in the bucket, but we are trying to at least help those children have a better winter, and get the clothes they need that they aren't always getting."
The 300-members of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast think these kids are more than just a statistic.
That’s why the organization raises money for this project every year.
Each child received about one-hundred dollars worth of clothing, and personal items.
And Target provided a generous discount.
Kids couldn’t hide their excitement either.
"I went to go get shoes, and pants, and jackets",
"I got a horse shirt and pants."
But the fun didn't stop at the checkout line.
The service league threw a post-shopping spree bash for the children.
"Looking at these kids you can tell this means so much to them.”
I asked one fifth grader the question, “how does it make you feel when you know people care about you?”
He replied, “Grateful, I feel real grateful”.
The Junior League of the Emerald Coast clothed 35-kids during the first child clothing project in 1979.
Since then, the organization has helped 46-hundred underprivileged kids.
If you're interested in donating call the Junior League office at 862-2665 or go to www.jlec.org for more information.