Fourth and fifth-graders at Horton Elementary experienced joy and generosity as they took part in a Holiday shopping spree, part of the Padres Holiday Giving Tour.
SAN DIEGO — About 100 students at Horton Elementary experienced the holiday spirit firsthand on Wednesday when the San Diego Padres and Padres Foundation took them on a shopping spree at a Kearny Mesa Walmart, where fourth and fifth-graders got to choose gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
Students were paired with a Padres player, alumni, or staff member to help guide their shopping experience, with many gravitating toward the toy aisle to find the perfect presents.
Fourth-grader Amador Magaña, who says he’s previously participated in ‘Shop With a Cop,” a similar community program, was very excited with his selections.
“And for my mom, we got her some, a candle, but I still need to get her a shirt. For my dad, we got him some socks already and were gonna get him some cologne,” Magaña said, reading off his list.
Horton Elementary Principal Danielle Garegnani noted the profound impact of the Padres’ generosity on her high-need school.
“So, Horton is one of the highest, highest-ranked Title I schools in the San Diego Unified School District. About 98% of our students qualify for free lunch and breakfast and we actually have about a 40% homeless/foster youth rate as well,” she said.
Garegnani also noted the impact this opportunity will have on students.
“I think this will be a very fond memory for their elementary school experience, elementary school age. I think the bigger picture, though, is that it really helps instill in our students the idea of philanthropy, of giving, and that when they’re adults, and they’re working or when they’re adults, they can also kind of share the joy and pass it along,”
The Padres’ holiday giving tour will continue through December.