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The Salvation Army services students for success
By amanda tonoli
On Aug. 14, The Salvation Army of the Mahoning County Area Services distributed backpacks and school supplies to 400 registered children.
Underprivileged students received backpacks filled with school supplies, completely free of charge.
Lt. Christine Baker helped organize and carry out the event.
Baker said that The Salvation Army has done this for years, each year improving with more help and better organization thanks to the facility and various volunteers.
The Salvation Army gave away 350 backpacks, with 50 to distribute the following week to missed appointment recipients.
“We’ve always believed education is a priority and without necessary supplies they can’t do as well in school,” baker said. “We want to help them as much as we can help them.”
Baker said she is always happy to see the children get excited about school because they have the supplies they need to be successful.
Children get a choice about what backpack they want, making the pickup of school supplies a fun event.
“For me it’s all about meeting people and building a relationship with those in our community,” Baker said.
Those that come to The Salvation Army also get the opportunity to gather information about church services and various others they provide.
Baker said she was grateful for the help and donations they receive from the community.
“All the donors make it possible for us to reach as many as we do,” Baker said.