The Back to School Backpack Drive Helps Thousands of Kids Kick off the School Year Right
From preschoolers to high schoolers, thousands of kids across Omaha were thrilled to pick up a brand-new backpack and school supplies last week, courtesy of The Salvation Army 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Drive. Thousands of backpacks and supplies were distributed to families who participated in the special drive-thru events on Friday and Saturday at the Kroc Center, North Corps and Westroads Mall.
Families are feeling the financial strain of the ongoing pandemic, which resulted in a higher-than expected demand this year. Those families still in need of backpacks and school supplies for their kids are encouraged to check our Facebook page for updates on how and where they can get additional school supplies in the coming days.
Dozens of volunteers helped make the two-day drive a success. “It’s great to help the kids and be able to get them off to a good start at school. There’s just nothing better; it’s amazing,” said one volunteer at the Kroc Center distribution.
“I grew up pretty poor, and our family utilized The Salvation Army a lot, so it’s just a really good feeling to be a part of this,” said another Kroc Center volunteer. “It’s a positive experience, and it makes me really happy.”
We are especially grateful for our back-to-school partner KETV NewsWatch 7, as well as this year’s generous sponsors: Methodist Health System, Metro Credit Union, Bucky’s Convenience Stores, Sweet 98.5 Firefighters on the Move, Pay-LESS Office Products, Barnhart Press, Westroads Mall and Two Men and a Truck.
We also thank everyone who donated to the Stuff the Bus school supplies drive at local Walmart locations, as well as everyone who made material or online monetary donations. Because of your generosity and compassion, thousands of Omaha kids will start the school year well-prepared with everything they need to succeed.
