By Brian Pickering, The Salvation Army, Director, Development & Communications

For the 10^th consecutive year, The Salvation Army of Spokane, in collaboration with Cenex Zip Trip, will distribute 5,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local at-risk youth at its ‘Backpacks for Kids’ event on August 7 at the Army’s campus, 222 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane, WA 99207. 

Since its inception in 2010, the Army has distributed close to 40,000 backpacks to local youth; allowing children to return to school with the tools needed to assist in their educational growth.

Cenex Zip Trip will collect funds during the month of July at its convenience stores.  Customers of Cenex Zip Trip are encouraged to make a donation.  As a thank you, contributors will receive a coupon for a free 20 oz. fountain soda or 16 oz. coffee.  Everyone who donates can also add their name to a special flyer that will be displayed in the local stores.

In the past eight years, Cenex Zip Trip has raised close to $400,000 for Backpacks for Kids. In 2018, Cenex Zip Trip raised $47,800.+

“In the 10 years we have held this event, this is the ninth year we have partnered with Cenex Zip Trip.  To say that it’s rewarding to work alongside Cenex Zip Trip to help enrich the lives of our young people would be an understatement!” said Major Ken Perine of the Spokane Salvation Army. “When kids are prepared for the school year, their performance in the classroom improves.”

Various Cenex Zip Trip convenience stores in Spokane and surrounding communities are participating in this campaign throughout Washington and Idaho, including:

Washington:

Spokane

• 909 N. Division, 99202
• 1523 W. 10^th, 99204
• 1023 W. Wellesley, 99205
• 2103 W. Northwest Blvd., 99205
• 1503 E. Illinois, 99207
• 3030 E. Euclid, 99207
• 2005 N. Hamilton, 99207
• 1712 N. Division, 99207
• 7902 N. Division, 99208
• 2020 W. Francis, 99208
• 6607 N. Nine Mile Rd., 99208
• 711 W. Hastings, 99218
• 2820 E. 57th Ave, 99223
• 4017 S. Cheney-Spokane Rd., 99224

Spokane Valley

• 10708 E. Sprague Ave., 99206
• 1421 N. Pines Rd., 99206
• 1403 N. Mullen Rd., 99206
• 8215 E. Trent Ave., 99212
• 15019 E. Trent Ave., 99216
• 3808 N. Sullivan Rd., Bldg. N15, Ste #106, 99216
• 15504 E. 4^th, 99037

Airway Heights

• 1418 S. Garfield, Airway Heights, 99001

Liberty Lake

• 22304 E. Appleway Ave., 99019

Mead

• 3921 E. Mt. Spokane Pk Dr., 99021

Idaho:

Coeur d’Alene

1427 Best Ave., 83814

All backpacks and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Parents or guardians will need to bring the following items:

* Photo ID for parent or guardian
* Proof of every children living in in the household (school registration, DSHS statement, ID card, medical card, etc.). 

INFO: www.makingspokanebetter.com or 509-325-6810.

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About The Salvation Army…

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 when William Booth decided to take his ministry into the streets of London where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. It is now part of the universal Christian Church, and an international organization meeting human needs in 127 countries around the globe. The Salvation Army continues its tradition in Washington by serving more than 500,000 people annually, always meeting human needs without discrimination. Among the services offered in this region are rent/utility/gas assistance, food pantry, clothing, disaster relief services, summer camps, holiday assistance, services for the aging, medical facilities, shelters for battered women and children, family and career counseling, vocational training, correction services, and substance abuse rehabilitation.