Even though July is coming to an end, many kids are
still in summer vacation mode, but parents realize that school is only a
little over a month away, which means, it's time to start buying school
supplies.
But the Brownwood Salvation Army tells us there are more families who need help with this purchase now than in years past.
Julie Allred uses the program, "The 'Back to School Drive' helps us out, my husband works and I work but there are times when we still need a little extra help", says Allred.
This is the third year the Brownwood Salvation Army is collecting donations and working to distribute school supplies for needy families.
Donna Harris is the Director, "My first story was of a ninth grader who went in and didn't even have a pencil, and she only lasted about three weeks and then she quit school. It was really a heartbreaking story", explains Harris.
In years past, they've seen hundreds ask for assistance, this year they are anticipating over 1000 kids in the area from eight different school districts. Volunteers, such as Lorie McWhirter, work with local stores to purchase supplies in bulk.
"A lot of these people have never asked for help before. They've always worked and supported themselves and have been able to take care of themselves, and they don't know where to go or what to do", says McWhirter.
The Brownwood Salvation Army says they feel fortunate to help with the 'Back to School Drive', as well as continue serving daily meals. They tell us they hope that those who are getting help through their program, would someday pay it forward.
The Salvation Army also tells us they have a luxury aromatherapy jet bath tub, valued at $12,000 that was recently donated to them. They are currently auctioning it, with all proceeds going to the Back to School Drive.
But the Brownwood Salvation Army tells us there are more families who need help with this purchase now than in years past.
Julie Allred uses the program, "The 'Back to School Drive' helps us out, my husband works and I work but there are times when we still need a little extra help", says Allred.
This is the third year the Brownwood Salvation Army is collecting donations and working to distribute school supplies for needy families.
Donna Harris is the Director, "My first story was of a ninth grader who went in and didn't even have a pencil, and she only lasted about three weeks and then she quit school. It was really a heartbreaking story", explains Harris.
In years past, they've seen hundreds ask for assistance, this year they are anticipating over 1000 kids in the area from eight different school districts. Volunteers, such as Lorie McWhirter, work with local stores to purchase supplies in bulk.
"A lot of these people have never asked for help before. They've always worked and supported themselves and have been able to take care of themselves, and they don't know where to go or what to do", says McWhirter.
The Brownwood Salvation Army says they feel fortunate to help with the 'Back to School Drive', as well as continue serving daily meals. They tell us they hope that those who are getting help through their program, would someday pay it forward.
The Salvation Army also tells us they have a luxury aromatherapy jet bath tub, valued at $12,000 that was recently donated to them. They are currently auctioning it, with all proceeds going to the Back to School Drive.
