By Brian Pickering
The Salvation Army of Spokane, in collaboration with Cenex Zip Trip, distributed 3,217 new backpacks full of school supplies to local students, grades K-12 (representing 1,239 households) on August 7 at the 10th Annual ‘Backpacks for Kids’ event at the Army’s campus, 222 E. Indiana Ave., 99207.
The event also included two barbers, who gave 89 free haircuts today; Franz Bakery, who gave out grilled cheese bites and loaves of bread; a community resource fair with local businesses; a GIANT Red Salvation Army Christmas Kettle bounce house, a photo booth; and more.
Since its inception in 2010, The Salvation Army has distributed close to 44,000 backpacks to local youth; allowing children to return to school with the tools needed to assist in their educational growth.
Cenex Zip Trip collected funds during the month of July at its convenience stores, as customers gave financial donations to this cause. As a thank you, contributors received a coupon for a free 20 oz. fountain soda or 16 oz. coffee.
In the past nine years that Cenex Zip Trip has partnered with The Salvation Army on this event, Cenex Zip Trip has raised more than $400,000. This year, $55,000 was raised; the most ever!
“With the tremendous assistance from Cenex Zip Trip, we have been able to enhance the lives of thousands upon thousands of students as they return to school each year,” said Major Ken Perine of the Spokane Salvation Army. “When children are prepared for the new school year, their performance in the classroom improves.”
The Salvation Army also thanks Molina Healthcare, Avista and BECU for their outstanding contributions to help in this successful and rewarding event.
To learn more about The Salvation Army and its varied outreach programs in-and-around Spokane, visit: www.makingspokanebetter.org, or call 509-325-6810.
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