Giving students the tools they need for school

Shopko and The Salvation Army are teaming up once again to help children in need. From now until Aug. 7, the annual Tools for School campaign will collect school supplies items donated by customers. After the campaign, the supplies will be distributed to local students by the Salvation Army until they are gone.

“Shopko is proud to partner with the Salvation Army once again on the Tools for School program,” said Shopko CEO Peter McMahon in a press release. “Through the Shopko Foundation, we support projects that help students succeed in school and become self-sufficient adults. It’s fundamental to their education that students have the supplies that they need to be ready to learn each day and that’s why the Tools for School project is so important.”

The supplies will go to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each child will receive a pre-packaged bag of school supplies and every family is provided with one new backpack.

“This program helps children in the local community obtain the school supplies they will need to start the new school year,” said Nan Pahl, director of social services at the Salvation Army of Brown County in a press release. “It is so important that children from low income families can begin the school year with shiny new supplies, just like everyone else.”

The two organizations have worked together on the Tools for School program since 2005. More than 300 Shopko and Shopko Hometown locations are participating.

“The community’s generosity in making this happen is greatly appreciated,” Pahl said.

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