Salvation Army in need of backpacks

The Salvation Army serving Carson City and Douglas County started its annual backpack and school supply distribution this week. Children from Carson City, Douglas County and the surrounding areas enjoyed pizza, cotton candy and a jump in the bounce house as their parents waited in line to receive needed supplies for school.

Inside the backpacks were school supplies and a box of cereal. Children also received uniform items and socks.

“We have 318 backpacks with supplies to distribute. That’s about half of what we did last year,” said Captain Mark Cyr, commanding officer of the local Salvation Army. “We will be able to supply the children that sign up with us, but we will have to cut back on the supplies we give directly to the school districts for the children in transition.”

Normally The Salvation Army has been able to supply the school districts with a couple hundred back packs a piece directly to their Mckinnney Vento program, which provides services to children who are homeless or in transition.

Unfortunately, due to less donations this year, they will get much less than they need.

Donation can still be made at The Salvation Army. Backpacks can be dropped off at 661 Colorado St., Carson City 89701, or donations can be sent to the same address.

For more information, call Christie at 775-887-9120, ext. 101

The Salvation Army serves more than 21,000 people each year helping with school supplies, emergency food and lodging, utilities, holiday assistance, summer day camp and before school care. Last year more than 250 backpacks went to children in need in Douglas County and more than 350 went to children in need in Carson City and Lyon counties.

For more information, go to www.carsoncitysalarmy.org.