Krista Corner Havre Daily News kcorner@havredailynews.com
The Havre Salvation Army hopes to continue its assistance to low-income families preparing to send children back to school this fall, however donations and volunteers are need. As of today director Trina Crawford of the Salvation Army is making appointments with families in need of help in gathering supplies so their children can start the school year out right. The appointments, which are required to receive the school supply assistance, will be held Aug. 18 through 22. For those who wish to donate school supplies to the program, the Salvation Army is setting out boxes this week at Wal-mart, Kmart and the Holiday Village Mall. Community members are encouraged to place donations, large or small, in the boxes. A list of frequently requested supplies is posted on the boxes. “This is the third year we’ve done this,” Crawford said. “It seems to help out the low-income families sending their kids back to school. (People) can also bring anything they want to donate to the thrift store or the Salvation Army office.” Crawford said with prices going up, the Salvation Army’s demand for social service programs has increased and in July, for the second month in a row, she has run out of money to help those in need. She expects the trend to continue through the fall with the demand for families requiring assistance for school supplies, increasing over last years numbers. “Last year we (distributed) 95 backpacks,” Crawford said Monday. “This year we are hoping for more than that, and any help at all would be greatly appreciated either monetarily or with supplies.” In addition to requesting donations to help the needy families of Havre, Crawford is asking for volunteers to help with distribution of the backpacks. To set an appointment, volunteer for distribution or for more information on the Salvation Army’s back to school program, contact Trina Crawford at 265-6411.
