The Salvation Army of Alaska is teaming up with Walmart to provide new school supplies to local children in need during the “Stuff the Bus” campaign event at Walmart Stores across Alaska this weekend, August 7-9. The Walmart on Kenai Spur Highway will be participating in the event.
For kids preparing for the upcoming school year, school supplies remain critical to their success. In light of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has adapted its services to ensure that children in every community can continue receiving the educational support they deserve. This year, the “Stuff the Bus” campaign event in Kenai, Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, and other Walmart communities in Alaska is part of more than 4,500 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country.
When shoppers visit Walmart August 7-9, they can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store. Many Walmart Stores will have pre-packed backpacks that can be purchased for donation.
Major Loren Carter of The Salvation Army says the organization is expecting needs to be increased significantly this year: “This year, we probably will have to double that, at least, with the financial difficulties many families are facing. We’re happy to put this campaign together to gather up supplies for the children.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army has provided more than 65 million meals through a combination of prepared meals and food boxes, 1.45 million nights of safe shelter, and emotional and spiritual support to more than 778,000 people, in addition to the financial assistance, hygiene kits, and youth programs the organization provides in almost every ZIP code in America.
Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years in an effort to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services that help them overcome poverty and economic hardships.
All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” campaign events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to local children in need.