THE BRANSON SALVATION ARMY LOOKING FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL DONATIONS FOR NEW CLOTHES
Back to school is one of The Salvation Army’s favorite times of the year. Future potential is sewn into simple deeds of clothing and preparing children for their formative upcoming school years.
The Branson corps of The Salvation Army Midland Division is collecting donations for a program to clothe local children for their first days of school. The goal of the drive, Salvation Army Branson Administrator Lisa Roberson said, is to raise $10,000, which would provide clothes for 400 children.
The donations will provide $25 gift cards to Old Navy.
“I know we’re going to have money coming in, I know what my goal would be,” Roberson said. “I know how many kids I would love to serve this year. Right now, we’re hoping for $5-7,000. If I got $10,000, I can help 400 kids.”
Branson has an extra high rate of poverty, 16.7% of its 2019 population, well above the U.S. average of 10.5%, especially among its youngest citizens. The two highest age groups of Branson’s impoverished are 0 to 6 and 6 to 11.
“Often, students will show up to school on the first day not having their classroom supplies because mom and dad have to make a decision: either I pay the rent, buy groceries, gas, or school supplies,” Roberson said. “The things that are taking care of the family, the practical necessities, are going to override a parent going out and getting those necessary school supplies.”
She added, “I believe that a child walking into the classroom, the way that you dress affects the way that you feel about yourself, whether it’s your confidence or your attitude.”
For more information or to donate to The Salvation Army’s Branson corps, go to salvationarmybranson.org or email midbransoncorps@usc.salvationarmy.org.