Through the end of July, The Salvation Army Tucson has organized, hosted and supported multiple events centered on supporting children and families in need through the back-to-school season. For Community Engagement Manager Kelli Beasley, the most rewarding part of the experience is seeing the reaction of the grateful students.
“It was just so cool to see that the children had confidence and dignity,” Beasley said, reflecting on the Child Spree event on July 18. “They were just so excited about starting the school year, feeling prepared and feeling proud.”
The event invited students and their parents to JC Penney at Spectrum, to shop with Salvation Army volunteers for $150 in clothing, shoes and other essentials. Each of the 150 children received backpacks with school supplies to support them through the coming academic year.
With the Child Spree completed, The Salvation Army’s event schedule is as follows:
Cares for Classrooms, Friday, July 24
Amphi Corps Back-to-School Event, Saturday, July 25
Fry’s Back-to-School Backpack SOS School Supply Drive, through Tuesday, July 28
Amphi Corps Stuff-the-Bus, Friday, July 31
One of the upcoming events in The Salvation Army Tucson’s back-to-school efforts is the Amphi Corps Back-to-School Event on Saturday, July 25. Starting at 10 a.m., the event provides children with clothes, a new pair of shoes and other back-to-school essentials. Longtime Salvation Army donor Cindy Goritz purchased and donated all of the clothes and shoes for the occasion. Goritz expressed that her desire to help the children came from a place of sympathy for the children.
“I remember how I felt growing up, always scared and nervous about school and I remember how it felt when my parents would bring us back-to-school shopping — it’s a nervous time of year for a child,” Goritz said. “Unfortunately, kids rely on their parents, and a lot of parents are unable to supply what they need.”
She echoed Beasley’s sentiment about the joy of witnessing the children’s reactions to receiving new backpacks, as well as clean clothes and shoes that fit. Goritz recalled an instance where a young girl at a Salvation Army event was wearing an ill-fitting pair of shoes with one sole gradually detaching — and the bottoms of her feet were dark. Goritz said when they got her into a new pair of shoes, she came alive.
“She was filled with tears and the families were just so thankful — it’s so nice to be able to help somebody that’s in need,” she said.
Beasley said that community members can best support The Salvation Army’s remaining efforts by donating anything they possibly can, emphasizing that any and all contributions count. Although 150 children received backpacks filled with school supplies during Child Spree, backpacks filled with school supplies are still available at the Hospitality House and the organization’s major Corps centers — and the hope is that the team will never run out of bags to give.
While the initiatives provide children with tangible support, Beasley said the back-to-school efforts extend far beyond donating clothes, shoes and school supplies. The message is one that Beasley hopes resonates with both the families receiving support and the community members making it possible.
“I don’t feel like we’re just filling backpacks and we’re not just giving them clothes and shoes, even though that’s a wonderful thing — I truly feel that we’re investing in their future,” she said. “Every backpack, every school supply, every new outfit and every volunteer represents a child who knows their community believes in them.
“That’s what The Salvation Army is all about — meeting immediate needs while giving families hope for a brighter future.”
Amphi Corps Back-to-School Event
WHEN: Saturday, July 25, beginning at 10 a.m. (while supplies last)
WHERE: Salvation Army Amphi Corps, 218 E. Prince Road, Tucson
COST: Free admission
INFO: salvationarmytucson.org
Amphi Corps Stuff-the-Bus
WHEN: Friday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Walmart, 7635 N. La Cholla Boulevard, Tucson
INFO: salvationarmytucson.org
