Salvation Army to offer day camps for students affected by St. Paul school strike
NEWS RELEASE – March 6, 2020
Contact:
Dan Furry
651-746-3572 (office) or 763-218-7127 (mobile)
dan.furry@usc.salvationarmy.org
Salvation Army to offer day camps for students affected by St. Paul school strike
Openings available for students at West 7th and Payne Ave. locations
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – With the possibility of a strike looming for St. Paul Public Schools, The Salvation Army is initiating plans to provide an option for concerned St. Paul parents. The Salvation Army’s St. Paul locations will be hosting temporary day camps during the strike to provide a safe place for students during the school day hours.
“Childcare is a huge need that families face regularly,” said Lt. Jonathan Taube of The Salvation Army Service Center on West 7th Street. “We know the possibility of a school strike presents a struggle for many families, and we see it as an opportunity to step up and help fill a gap.”
Should a strike occur, The Salvation Army will offer camps for grades K-8 at the 401 7th St. W. location, and for grades 9-12 at the 1019 Payne Ave. location. Both camps will operate from 8am-4pm for the duration of the strike, and lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required and spaces are very limited. Parents interested in securing a space for their children may stop by the respective centers to fill out registration forms or call for more information: 651-224-4316 (West 7th) or 651-776-8169 (Payne).
The day camps will provide students opportunities for recreation, arts, music, and other fun activities. Although participation is free of charge, donations will be welcomed to help offset the cost of the camps. The Salvation Army has actively served St. Paul since 1887, and every year thousands of local young people participate in youth programs, day camps, and attend The Salvation Army’s Northwoods Camp in Finlayson, MN.
“We value our neighbors and we value the young people of our community, and this is our way of showing it,” said Captain Jared Collins of The Salvation Army Service Center on Payne Avenue. “In addition to this program, our food shelves at both locations will continue to operate, and it is hoped that other critical emergency assistance will not be interrupted,” he added. Additionally, The Salvation Army’s King Family Child Development Center at the West 7th location will continue normal operations.
Interviews with Lt. Taube or Capt. Collins are available. Please contact Dan Furry at dan.furry@usc.salvationarmy.org to schedule.
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The Salvation Army Northern Division serves 324,000 people a year throughout Minnesota and North Dakota by providing food, shelter, disaster response and other critical services, meeting human needs without discrimination. Support The Salvation Army and #FightForGood.