Salvation Army gives away 300 backpacks filled with school supplies

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Salvation Army in Waco spent Friday morning giving free backpacks to kids in need ahead of the school year.

Each child had the option of either a clear or themed bag depending on their school’s policy, and each bag was filled with school supplies.

Filling 300 bags with the gear students need for school is no small task, but the group says was easier than normal due to an influx of volunteers.

In addition to having a few extra helping hands, all of the contents of each bag well filled with donated items as well.

The group says having a few extra people open up their heat has been a welcome help.

Dinah Mills, The Salvation Army’s Public Relations Specialist, says that due to a variety of circumstances, the need for school supplies is as great as it’s ever been.

“The expenses, the inflation and everything that’s going on right now, these backpacks are probably needed more than ever,” said Mills.

“We just appreciate everyone who’s donated, Waco is always really great about giving to people in need.”

Mills also says that a large portion of the families they assist for giveaways like this one, are the same families they serve year round.

“The school supplies that we give away, we’re giving away to families that really need help, so we’re not just giving it to anyone who walks up,” said Mills.

“We’re making sure that these families, they’re generally part of people we serve normally, we just want to make sure those families are taken care of.”

The Salvation army says that they anticipate having school supplies left over following the event.

They encourage anyone who needs help getting their kid ready for the school year to call them, and they’ll try to fill their needs while supplies last.

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