Donations being collected to buy school supplies for needy children

Parents who struggle to put food on the table may not be able to provide their kids with the necessary school supplies. With the firm belief that every child deserves the tools to be academic achievers, the Salvation Army of Douglas County and Ballard Community Services/Penn House are teaming up for help prepare needy families for the return to school.

As part of the 2014 Back 2 School program, the nonprofits are collecting donations to make sure local kids have the necessary school supplies, shoes and backpacks to start the year right. The organizations are hoping to raise $45,000 to serve more than 800 kids.

Make donations on the Salvation Army’s website at lawrence.salvationarmy.us or to the Salvation Army, 946 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66047 or Ballard Community Services, P.O. Box 7, Lawrence, KS 66044.

To qualify for the assistance, students must be enrolled in the free or reduced school lunch program. Applications are being accepted through Aug. 1 at Penn House, 1035 Pennsylvania St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or the Salvation Army from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Parents must bring each child’s enrollment letter for the free or reduced school lunch program and Social Security number, as well as their own personal identification.

School kits will be distributed the week of Aug. 4 by appointment in the Salvation Army’s multipurpose room from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Ballard Community Services at 842-0440 or the Salvation Army at 843-4188.