Upcoming Salvation Army backpack giveaway needs immediate help

McCOOK, Neb. -- McCook Christian Church is looking for immediate donations of money and school supplies for the annual Salvation Army backpack giveaway. Rev. Clark Bates, the church's pastor, asks that those who wish to provide financial donations or school supplies to bring them to the office of the McCook Christian Church, 507 West B Street, by Friday, July 18.

The giveaway is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the church.

Bates said, "For the past 13 years, the local service unit of the Salvation Army has sought to provide backpacks and school supplies to children who might not otherwise have these items to begin the school year. Last year, nearly 150 children from seven area schools were served through this community event and it is anticipated that this year's need will be even greater."

The Salvation Army has provided quality backpacks, Bates said, and the McCook Community Foundation has given a $500 grant to the project, but they are still about $1000 short of the monies needed to fully fund it. "The local service unit of the Salvation Army generally supplies these funds," Bates said, "but due to the high volume of other needs in the community, there are no funds available for the purchase of supplies for the giveaway. Financial gifts or the gift of school supplies are needed to make sure we have supplies to fill the backpacks."