Backpack giveaway at Eastside Salvation Army

The Salvation Army along with 125 volunteers distributed 1,200 backpacks, school supplies, food, clothing and more to an estimated 1,500 attendees at The Salvation Army Eastside Service Center (1019 Payne Ave.), designated for St. Paul families with children in elementary grades through high school, on Wednesday, Aug. 12 between noon to 2 p.m. Attendees also had access to school clothes, haircuts and styling, and more. Other elements of the event include a hot lunch service, up to 20 community resource info tables, face painting, inflatables, raffles and a live DJ. Proof of students’ identification, such as medical cards, school IDs or social security cards, are required to register, and students must be present for the distribution event.

Service Center administrator Major Scott Spicer indicated that while the Eastside area has its challenges, it’s a close-knit community of neighbors, businesses and civic groups that want to help people thrive.
           
“Starting a new school year can be exciting, but it can also be stressful for families who are struggling to afford everything their children need,” said Spicer. “Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations and community members, we can help make sure more kids have the supplies they need to walk into the classroom with confidence. When we invest in our children, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.”
 
All month long, Salvation Army service centers in the Twin Cities are providing families with nearly 4,500 backpacks and school supplies to relieve them of the stress and worry of dealing with this added expense. By providing school necessities to these families their burden is reduced, and it helps children start the school year focused and prepared.
 
Families seeking assistance with back-to-school needs can contact their nearest Salvation Army service center for information. Those wishing to donate to the effort can do so at donate.salvationarmynorth.org/campaign/829267/donate.