NEEDY KIDS TO GET SHOPPING SPREE THANKS TO LOCAL MAN AND OTHERS.

Byline: JUDY O'ROURKE Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA -- Taking to heart lessons learned in a self-help program, a Santa Clarita man is lending a big helping hand to a local group that gives a life to single moms. And in this case, their children.

The man and his fellow good Samaritans have raised more than $5,000, which will be converted into $100 Wal-Mart gift certificates for 50 needy children who will go on a shopping spree this weekend.

``It takes a great burden off of a single mother who clothes and buys supplies for all of her kids,'' said Debbie Quick, executive director of Single Mothers Outreach. ``Some of these women are only able to shop in our used clothes closet.''

The nonprofit group, run by Quick and case manager Erin Kranz, helps clients find jobs and housing, helps further education for moms and kids, provides counseling, offers referrals for legal counsel and services, provides short-term financial aid for clients' rents and utilities, furnishes clothing and runs a clients-only food bank.

John Galloway, 41, a local landscape contractor who has been attending i-Source Trainings self-help workshops for about three months, brainstormed the community project idea with eight group members who hail from Upland, Venice and Topanga Canyon.

I-Source's co-founder Tim Randolph is a certified corporate trainer who also coaches individuals in transforming their lives, the company's Web site says.

Galloway was impressed by a woman he knows who relied on Single Mothers Outreach for food and other assistance, and said his group had no trouble agreeing the project had merit.

``It's not that the training waves a magic wand and the problem goes away, but it definitely gives you the tools to know how to handle obstacles that come your way,'' Galloway said. ``Our trainer said one of the ways people can step in the greatness is to contribute to people.'' He challenged them to create a community project.

The moms and children will gather Saturday morning at the Wal-Mart store in Stevenson Ranch, and while the moms wait outside, Galloway and more than 40 volunteers will escort the children through the store from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., picking out clothing, shoes, school supplies but no toys or candy.

Some who donated money have asked to be escorts. The store, which will be open to the public, contributed $1,000.

``We support the community in which we do business,'' said Pam Ferrier, a spokeswoman. Store managers and staff will be on hand to help out.

After the final purchase is rung, a McDonald's breakfast -- partly discounted by the company, the rest paid for by a donor, will be served in the parking lot outside.

In the past three weeks the group has raised $7,400 and hopes to hit the target of $10,000 by the weekend. Galloway said local car dealers have been very generous, donating $1,500, and a couple of real estate agents whose homes he landscaped opened their wallets too. Lots of mom and pop stores, and folks he met while dining did not think twice about chipping in.

Funds raised above $5,000 will be donated to Single Mothers Outreach, Galloway said.

judy.orourke(at)dailynews.com

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