On Thursday, six Royal Excursion buses, led by a motorcycle escort from the Cass County Sheriff and Berrien County Sheriff’s Departments, will converge on the Target Store in Benton Harbor. The buses will be chartered by the McLoughlin Family Foundation, and will transport 179 students in the first through fourth grades from Cassopolis and Dowagiac elementary schools, along with one of their parents, to the department store. These children were chosen to attend the 11th annual Great Start event, hosted by the McLoughlin Family Foundation.

Each child attending Great Start may spend $200 on school clothes, shoes, a backpack and books. The entire cost of the shopping spree is paid for by the McLoughlin Family Foundation.

Selection of the students was made by the principals and teachers at their schools, and their selection was based on achievement in school, strong work habits, attendance and good attitude, as well as a financial need.

Target offers a private shopping experience to the students beginning at 7 a.m., one hour prior to the store opening for regular business.

The McLoughlin Family Foundation, located in Cassopolis, is a privately funded organization that began 19 years ago. Its main goal is to contribute to local charities and organizations that fall outside the reach of larger national organizations, focusing primarily on children and families.

The first Great Start shopping event was hosted by the McLoughlin Family Foundation in 2007, and 100 children were invited. The event has grown each year since.

The idea for the McLoughlin Family Foundation’s Great Start event is modeled after a program called “Smart Start” developed by professional golfer, Phil Mickelson, and his charitable organization. The Mickelson organization provides a similar shopping experience to children in his hometown of San Diego, California.