PLANTATION, FLA. (WSVN) - A group of dedicated students were treated to a special spree by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
7News captured the teens as they lined up outside the JCPenney at the Broward Mall in Plantation, Saturday.
“We will have a register that’s upstairs, designated, that we can ring all your purchases,” said Rosemarie Booz with JCPenney.
The 28 teens are taking part in BSO’s eight-week summer camp, called LEAD. LEAD stands for learning, educating and developing.
The shopping spree was made possible thanks to the BSO Foundation and JCPenney.
Initially, each teen received $50 to spend on nice clothes to wear to their graduation from the program.
“Initially, what’s dedicated for you to shop is $50 for you to shop per person. However, this morning, it has changed,” BSO Lt. Adrienne Philpart told the campers. “The Sheriff’s Foundation is allowing each student, each camper, to purchase $100 of merchandise.”
The teens got an escort to pick out something suitable to wear for graduation and beyond.
“Normally you wouldn’t get this opportunity anywhere else,” said camper Daniel Aceituno, “so, it’s really helpful for me and my other peers to get all this information and accessibility to clothes and stuff like this.”
The teens said the summer program lived up to its name, whether they were attending or volunteering for community service hours.
“I feel very grateful for this opportunity I have,” said Aceituno.
“Since I’m a headstrong woman, I think I learned, more so leadership, and how to coordinate myself with others and how to be in a different environment and place myself in that environment and still get along with others,” said camper Chasity Roker.
The campers also developed relationships with mentors in order to learn how to stretch a dollar — skills that will take them anywhere they want to go.
“You never know. You may have a job interview,” said Philpart. “You know, we want you guys to have something that you can say, ‘Hey I have this one outfit that I know I can wear to this special event.'”
The BSO’s LEAD program is set to conclude for the year in the coming days.
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