Salvation Army Sends Kids to School with Backpacks Full of Dignity

While stores promote new back-to-school supplies, thousands of children in Canada are reminded of what they don’t have.

“For low-income families, money in the household goes to food and basic necessities,” says Major Russ Holland of The Salvation Army’s Vancouver Community and Family Services. “Once again, The Salvation Army is excited to help families in need with the high cost of going back to school.”

From July 14 to August 11 The Salvation Army in British Columbia will raise funds and school supplies for 5,000 kids in need. In partnership with BC Chiropractic Association, Staples, Fitness Town, Canadian Bible Society, Salvation Army Thrift Stores, Starbucks and media sponsors, thousands of children will go to school feeling proud to enter the next grade fully equipped to succeed.

“What started out as a small project of distributing backpacks to 200 homes in one local community has grown to distribution over 5,000 to kids through the province of British Columbia,” says Holland.

“My husband brought home two backpacks full of school supplies provided by The Salvation Army,” says Lauren, mother of four. “This generous gift was a blessing to our large family and took a lot of pressure off at just the right time.”

The Salvation Army has seen an increase in the number of people seeking support, especially during this time of year. The goal of the backpack program is to provide children in need with the necessary tools needed in order to have a successful year.

“It is good to know that many young children will head back to their classrooms with their new gear and heads held high,” says Holland. “Thank you to everyone who helps make this possible.”

For more information on the annual backpack and school supply drive, click here.