Massillon Salvation Army hosts annual backpack giveaway

Aug 02, 2023

MASSILLON – The Salvation Army hosted its annual backpack and school supply giveaway on Wednesday, providing items to more than 850 local students.

That number is nearly double from last year's 440 children served, Capt. Allison Hinzman said. Nearly 400 families were assisted by this year's giveaway.

In addition to the children provided school supplies on Wednesday, there are about 100 kids on a waiting list, she added, and she knows there will be others that will call seeking help.

The organization will do as much as it can to help those on the waiting list and beyond, she said.

The increase has a lot to do with the increased cost of school supplies and other items needed to head back to the classroom. The National Retail Federation estimates families with children in elementary through high school will spend on average $890.07, about $25 more than last year.

Hinzman said a portion of the additional participants comes from more awareness of the Salvation Army's program, as well as the help of the CARE teams at Massillon City Schools. The CARE teams have provided parents with information about programs and assisted the Hispanic community with students in the district to sign up for the services.

Oftentimes, non-English speaking residents shy away from trying to sign up for programs like the backpack giveaway because of the language barrier, she added.

"It's great with the greater awareness of the programs and the help from the district, those that need the services are now getting through our doors," she added.

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Students who signed up for the giveaway received a backpack filled with school supplies appropriate to their level in school. Hinzman said staff compiled a list of school supplies based on what area schools, including Massillon, Perry and Tuslaw, were asking from students.

Besides the backpack, each student received a $20 voucher from Walmart to purchase a pair of shoes and a haircut. Fourteen students from the National Beauty College provided haircuts on the spot earlier in the day. Those who visited Wednesday afternoon were given a voucher for a free haircut at the beauty school.

Kids also were treated with popcorn and cotton candy, free clothes and a trip to the Massillon Public Library's Bookmobile.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or [email protected].

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