In May 1986, the Salinas Jaycees established the Salinas Jaycees Foundation, Inc., a section 501 (c) (3) organization, in order to allow contributions to the annual Children’s Shopping Tour to be fully tax deductible and to allow for solicitation of foundation grants. The Children’s Shopping Tour is the Salinas Jaycees’ largest event of the year and it has truly become a time-honored tradition. For well over 50 years, the event has been organized and conducted 100% by volunteers. Additionally, 100% of the money raised is spent directly and exclusively on clothing for the children.

Each year, the Jaycees invite approximately 400 1st – 4th grade underprivileged children to participate, divide the money raised and provide each child with a gift certificate, which will be used to purchase much needed clothing (i.e., outerwear, undergarments, school uniforms). All children are selected by their respective teachers, based on need. For many of these children it will be the first time they shop for new clothing. On “Tour Day”, each child is accompanied by a volunteer (Salinas Jaycees members or other community volunteers) who assists in selecting the appropriate items. Every dollar raised is maximized, as the Event Committee negotiates discounts with participating clothing stores.

The Children’s Shopping Tour Committee typically begins preparations for the event in late Summer. In keeping with the Jaycees’ leadership training objectives, volunteers undertake new positions each year and are guided by the Foundation President and the VP of Community Development. During their time as members of the Salinas Jaycees, most of the organization’s members have or will participate in this event.

2003 marked the Children’s Shopping Tour’s 52nd anniversary. 435 children from 31 local schools were invited to participate and enough funds were raised to provide each with $110. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, as the Jaycees have continually strived to increase the scope of the event to meet the growing number of disadvantaged children. Twenty-five years ago, Salinas’ population totaled approximately 30,000. Today is surpasses 150,000. The event relies on contributions made by corporate and individual donors, as well as various Jaycee-coordinated fundraisers. A major portion of funds comes from grants received from the various supporting foundations.

Foundation Grants Awarded to the 2003 Children’s Shopping Tour:
 

Thank you to the more than 35 Salinas Jaycees who volunteered at the 2003 event, as well as the 300+ individual community volunteers, organizations, corporate and individual donors and foundations who helped make a child’s holiday brighter! This year, the event will take place on Saturday December 10, 2005. If you would like to volunteer to take a child out shopping and experience the joys of the 2005 Children’s Shopping Tour, please contact Cynthia Martinez (email: salinasjayceescst@yahoo.com ). Donations may be mailed to Salinas Jaycees Foundation, PO Box 1048, Salinas, CA 93902. All contributions made to the Salinas Jaycees Foundation are fully tax-deductible.

Cynthia Martinez, President
2005 Salinas Jaycees Foundation, Inc.

Individual Donors:
Brian & Elizabeth Foucht
C.M. & Delta Campbell
David & Mary Mesa
David & Nancy Mikita
David & Nellie Gonzalez
Donald & Margaret Nichols
Dr. Charles & Barbara Mac Glashan
Elizabeth C. Basile
Firmin & Janice Gryp
Gordon L. Ray
Homer & Nancy Hayward
Jack Nelson
James & Dorothy Abeloe
James & Suzan Wurz
James Schwefel
Jane & Gordon Zook
Leon & Brenda Selva
Lori Atkinson
Lucille McMillen
Luther Vaden
Maria M. Lopez
Marcia & Bill Atkinson
Mary Felion
Mary E. Spiegl
Melanie Yanez
Peggy Goldman
Putnam & Zoila Payne
Steven & Laurie Rhodes
Suzanne Klein
Tom & Marie Cheek
Trini Fernandez
Vern Horton
Virginia Hinz
Virginia M. Hannon

Corporate Donors
Adobe Packing Company
Alpine Lane Nursery
D'arrigo Bros. Co. of California
Fresh Connection, LLC
Fresh Express, Inc.
Garden Of Memories Memorial Park
Gregory S. Gorman, DDS
James W. Dickey, III, M.D.
John C. Rosendale, Attorney at Law
L.C.S. Machine & Supply, Inc.
Laurel Inn Motel
Michelle Noble McCain, Attorney at Law
Mills, Inc.
Northridge Mall Merchants
Proserve Building Service Maintenance
Robert Kasavan Marketing
Salinas Californian
Salyer-American Fresh Food
Sherwood Care & Star Care Pharmacies
Silveria General Maintenance
Swenson & Silacci Flowers
Tanimura & Antle
Vegetable Growers Supply