The back-to-school rush is on in the Truckee Meadows, and that means lots of shopping and preparation for thousands of families. But for families in need, this time can be more stressful than fun, so a few local organizations are teaming up to make it a little easier.
The Salvation Army's annual Back-to-School Giveaway is bigger than ever, giving away back-to-school care packages to 600 kids this year, up more than 100 from last year.
The hope is to get the year started off right, so the kids can focus on learning rather than worrying about money.
"It's so important for kids to have the right supplies when they go back to school," Salvation Army Reno Major Janene Zielinski said, "so they feel good about themselves and they have great self esteem."
Volunteers at the Salvation Army headquarters are packing backpacks full of goodies to give away at their back to school event Saturday. The backpacks hold more than just pencils and notebooks-- they have socks, underwear, hygiene products, and even gift cards to buy new shoes. Each one has about a $100 value, but for the people who are receiving them, the help is priceless.
"I can tell you that most of the families that we are helping, this is the difference between them being able to eat this week, or get that bus pass to go to work this week," Zielinski said. "That's the difference."
The Salvation Army is partnering up with the Summit Mall this year, which will make donations when people do their back to school shopping there. The mall also has barrels around the property if people wish to donate alarm clocks, books, and clothes.
For more information on that program, click here.
The Salvation Army is also always accepting donations of money or goods. Right now they are in need of hygiene products like soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, razors, and shampoo.
Written by Arianna Bennett
