Twin Cities Salvation Army school supply drive in motion

The Twin Cities Salvation Army just started its annual back-to-school drive. The drive collects backpacks and school supplies for children whose parents are facing financial challenges.

The demand is big: students need supplies — from pencils to markers and rulers, as well as calculators, crayons and backpacks — to prepare for the upcoming school year. Plus, it’ll be a different school year for many children.

"Last year we didn’t get it done because of COVID, but this year, the kids are all going back to school this fall, and so we want to help families out with supplies for their kids to go back to school," Maj. Scott Shelbourn, general secretary and Twin Cities commander of the Salvation Army, said.

Shelbourn said it’s a critical year to give.

"There are so many families that are experiencing financial pressure because of underemployment," he said.

If you have $25 to give, the Twin Cities Salvation Army said that’s enough to get a child a new backpack and the supplies they need.

But before they’re all passed along to the kids, everything is sorted in its Roseville warehouse.

Shelbourn said the Salvation Army has about 10 food shelf locations around the Twin Cities, and each of those locations will be a "distribution point."

It’s all to prep youth with what they need to succeed.

Volunteers will organize the supplies inside to make a difference for families across the metro.

Shelbourn explained how he hopes it’ll change lives.

"The main thing we want is to alleviate worry from parents hearts. They’re having to make broad financial decisions, and we don’t want them to send their kids to school without supplies."

The school supply drive runs through Aug. 6 and is being done in partnership with the Mike Zimmer Foundation.

You can drop off backpacks and supplies at Salvation Army Units, Twin Cities Hy-Vee stores and certain Blue Cross Blue Shield offices.

And, if your child needs supplies, click here.