FOR THE PRESS TIMES
GREEN BAY – The Service League’s Back to School Store, The Salvation Army’s Tools for School program, with support from NEWCAP and Howe Community Resource Center, joined forces for one event — the One Stop School Shop.
“Our vision behind this collaboration was to pool our resources for families to make one stop and shop to get their kids ready for the school year. We aim to provide school supplies, high quality backpacks, tennis shoes, socks and underwear to up to 5,000 children. In addition to school supplies, the One Stop School Shop will feature a Resource Row which will provide families access to crucial services, including eye exams, immunizations and information on other local resources to help families thrive. This initiative not only supports preparing kids for academic success, but also promotes overall well-being before children head back to school,” a Salvation Army release stated.
On Aug. 5-7, elementary students who come the One Stop School Shop at UW Green Bay’s Kress Center will be given the chance to walk through the shop with a volunteer.
The cost of getting a child prepared for their first day of school can cost as much as $75 or more.
“Our goal is to get kids excited about school and provide them the joy of shopping for their school supplies, without the family experiencing the financial burden,” the release added.
“We are working closely with the Green Bay school district and other area schools and agencies to register families. However, in June our registration will also be live and available online, so any family in need has access to sign up. We are preparing to serve up to 5,000 students in Brown County to include 2,500 elementary students, 2,000 middle school students and 500 high school students.
“While our strong collaboration has pooled its resources, we are relying on support from our giving community. If you’ve ever contributed to Tools for School, Back to School Store or any of the four agencies represented here today, please consider doing so again this year.”
For more information on ways you can help, contact the Salvation Army at (920) 497-7053.