Great Escape: Shop for a Cause

Back-to-school time can be a bit hard on the wallet, especially for low-income families in the area.

Here's a way to help out families in need while filling your own back-to-school must-have lists.

Purchase a $5 shopping pass on behalf of one of the listed Brandon area charities. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 27, you will receive exclusive savings at Macy's at Westfield Brandon and online at macys.com. Shop on that day and the charity of your choice will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from your purchases. Plus, you'll have a chance to win a $500 Macy's Gift Card that day.

Since 2006, Macy's Shop for a Cause Event has partnered with nonprofit organizations nationwide to raise more than $38 million for their ongoing charitable efforts.

1. American Cancer Society
2. Calvary Lutheran Church
3. Emergency Care Help Organization
4. GFWC Brandon Junior Woman's Club
5. Loving Gods Children Inc. of Brandon
6. Open Arms Ministry
7. Operation Patriot Inc.
8. Womens Resource Center

You can obtain tickets from the participating nonprofits or their representatives. For more information on the fundraiser, visit http://www.macysinc.com/shopforacause/.