Back to School in Central Indiana
The Salvation Army of Central Indiana is excited to announce two back-to-school initiatives taking place at the Fountain Square Corps Community Center at 1337 Shelby Street on Tuesday, July 9. These events are part of an annual tradition that helps local children in need start their school year off better prepared and ready to learn
The first event, a shoe distribution, will be for 200 pre-registered school-aged children who live in the service area for the Fountain Square Corps Community Center. From 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., families will come to The Salvation Army so that kids can be fitted for new tennis shoes, receive a few pairs of new socks a new backpack, and “shop” for school supplies for the upcoming school year. The Salvation Army partners with Shoe Carnival to bring in hundreds of shoes in a variety of sizes.
Registration closed for the shoe distribution on July 2, but children not registered for that event still have a chance to participate in The Salvation Army's second back-to-school distribution on July 9. Between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. central Indiana families can bring their children to pick out a free backpack and school supplies like paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, and colored pencils.
The Salvation Army works closely with Indianapolis Public Schools and other surrounding school districts to identify children most in-need of shoes and school supplies. The shoe giveaway also includes children involved in The Salvation Army summer day camps and children currently living at The Salvation Army's Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center.
The shoe giveaway initiative was made possible by a long-time donor Laura Lewis, who recently passed away in 2023. Mrs. Lewis had supported The Salvation Army since 1996 with a passion for helping children in need.
"We are incredibly grateful to Laura Lewis for her unwavering support and dedication to helping children in our community," said Major Mindie O'Neil, Central Indiana Area Commander. "This event not only provides essential footwear but also brings joy and excitement to these young students as they start a new school year."