Joe Mauer Helps Kids In Need Get New School Supplies
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Joe Mauer was out of uniform this morning, but doing something he likes as much as baseball. He was helping kids in need. In this case, making sure they have school supplies.
The Minnesota Twins star was at the Kids in Need Foundation store Thursday morning.
From pens, to crayons, to folders and backpacks, teachers filled shopping carts with free supplies for kids who otherwise might not have them.
Mauer was there, handing out ice cream -- Kemps, of course. But it was the sales of milk with Mauer's picture on the label that raised $40,000. That money paid for Thursday's shopping spree.
"It's really nice to see a home town person supporting the students and the children in our own communities, it's fantastic to see him giving back," Jill Fussy, a Minneapolis teacher.
Mauer's mom Teresa used to be a teacher, so it's no surprise he is a fan of education.
"This program that we're here for today is helping kids all across Minnesota and Wisconsin, really, Kids in Need, their organization is right in our backyard and I'm thankful I was introduced to this organization," he said. "I look forward to doing more things like this in the future."
The Kids in Need Foundation helps schools that have at least 70 percent of their students in the federal Free and Reduced Lunch program.
"It's wonderful," said Anne Lewerenz, a Minneapolis teacher. "It's so nice to know that people care, you know you hear all the things about Minneapolis public schools and a lot of it is not positive, but come and visit the schools and every day you'll see great things happening."
Maurer and Kemps will also host a shopping event for Wisconsin teachers. That one will be at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
