BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING NORTH HOLLYWOOD JAYCEES RAISING MONEY FOR STUDENTS GOING BACK TO CLASS.

Byline: JOHAN MENGESHA Valley News Writer

Push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups normally just benefit the person doing them. But on July 15, they can help students get new clothes and school supplies.

The Universal City/North Hollywood Jaycees' Childspree event is a collaboration between the Jaycees and Mervyn's. The Jaycees raise money for students going back to school.

For every $100 raised, one student can go shopping at Mervyn's in preparation for the first day of school. The Jaycees choose a school, then school staff members select students to go on the shopping spree, based primarily on financial need.

``Ninety-eight percent of the kids come from hard-working families,'' said Nancy Sexton, chairwoman for Jaycees Childspree.

Sexton said the club raises money in numerous ways. One thing the Jaycees are doing this year is the Fitness Challenge/Fit Expo fundraiser at BodyImage gym in North Hollywood. Participants donate $25 to compete in different exercises and win prizes.

Last year, the Jaycees raised $4,000 and the goal this year is $20,000, Sexton said.

Students from Victory Elementary School in North

Hollywood will go on a shopping spree on Aug. 5. Each student will be paired with a volunteer who helps them shop for clothes and school supplies.

Wanda Levatter, assistant principal of Victory Elementary, said the school sends out questionnaires to teachers and other staff members to find out which students have financial need.

``A lot of them come from single-parent homes, large families, and some are new to the country,'' Levatter said.

She said she is thankful the Jaycees chose her school this year. ``I think it's wonderful and helpful to our community,'' Levatter said. ``It shows that our school is connected to the community.''