Kohl’s donates big red dogs to preschoolers

ATCAA Head Start Preschoolers at the Blue Bell Center east of Sonora squealed with delight Tuesday morning when all 20 students received their own Clifford the Big Red Dog stuffed animals and Clifford books donated by Kohl’s.

ATCAA early childhood services director Marcia Williams presented the bright red dogs and books by Norman Bridwell to eager preschoolers, who were happy to hear they would get to keep the toys and books at home.

“This is part of the Kohl’s department store fundraiser, Cares for Kids. They care about kids,” Williams told the students.
   

“Does anyone know about Clifford the Big Red Dog?” Williams asked.

All the little hands shot up and they shouted, “I do, I do!”

The 100 donated stuffed dogs and books will be distributed to children throughout the various Head Start Preschools in Tuolumne County.

“All kids can use books,” Williams said, adding how appreciative Head Start officials and students were to receive the donation. She said called her and asked if the children would like the toys and books.

On Tuesday, the preschoolers  piled on top of the Clifford dogs and began to flip through their books.

The Kohl’s website said the Cares for Kids merchandise program has raised more than $180 million nationwide to support kids’ health and education initiatives in local communities.

A portion of sales from the purchase of each Clifford item at Kohl’s goes into the Cares fund.

“We aim to give kids a happier, healthier future,” the Kohl’s Cares website states. “We are committed to making a difference for kids so that someday they can make a difference in the world.”