Salvation Army thankful for successful clothing drive; school supplies still available | Opinion

On Saturday, Aug. 17, The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps provided new school clothes for 25 local students. The Bellingham Old Navy store opened extra early for us so we could “shop till we dropped.” Local volunteers from groups like the Bellingham Kiwanis, the Miracle Food Network and many others were paired with students. Each child was given $150 to shop for needed school clothes. Each student also received a backpack with school supplies and a hygiene kit.

Volunteer Doris Langley shared: “I had so much fun! I’ve never done anything like this before.”

Nancy Timmer had never volunteered with The Salvation Army before and shared how blessed and excited she was for this opportunity.

The Salvation Army Northwest Division has provided back-to-school clothes for families in need for more than 30 years. This year, more than 900 kids across Washington, Northern Idaho and Western Montana will receive new clothes from Old Navy or Walmart.

The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps still has school supplies for students. Students needing a backpack with school supplies can contact The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps at 360-733-1410 or come by our Family Services office, 1515 Birchwood Ave. We are open 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Thank you to our community partners, donors and our volunteers for making it a great day for children in need in Bellingham!

Maj. Shevaun Malone is the executive officer at The Salvation Army of Bellingham.