By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
Thirty children from the Opelika and Auburn city school systems were gifted with $100 Academy Sports and Outdoors gift cards last Wednesday to purchase back-to-school items.
An annual, nationwide initiative for the company, Auburn’s Academy branch once again partnered with the Greater Lee County Boys and Girls Club to provide them with gear like backpacks, new shoes and more.
“They always have a great time. They get their back-to-school supplies … new pair of shoes, backpack, T-shirts, whatever they need,” said Auburn’s Academy Store Director Tommy Riley. “We just enjoy interacting with the community and working with them, especially these kids.”
Club CEO Wanda Lewis said that her organization’s partnership with Academy is invaluable and provides children with gifts that instill a sense of pride and self-confidence.
“It’s exciting every year. The kids get to go shopping and have a chance to get and own their own stuff,” said Club CEO Wanda Lewis. “They get to go to school with a new pair of shoes, sports equipment that they might need or want and they then get to choose something random they want – a toy or something like that.”
Club members Alexis, Avion and Jeremiah shared that they planned to purchase items ranging from shirts and shoes to footballs and basketballs.
For more information, visit www.academy.com. The Auburn store is located at 2325 Bent Creek Road.