A donation collection barrel for the Lincoln Salvation Army's summer backpack drive in the lobby of a Lincoln business. (Chase Porter, KLIN News)
If you see any blue barrels around Lincoln — those are collection sites for the Salvation Army’s annual back-to-school backpack drive, running through August 5th.
The Salvation Army of Lincoln holds this drive annually, making sure every kids goes back to school brand new backpack and feeling good for the school year.
Captain Kelsey Moreno tells KLIN News they’re stuffing something extra in book-bags going to families in need this year.
“Kids go through socks like crazy… the dryer will often eat them. So we thought that was a neat thing to add to the backpacks this year, to give each kid a new pack of socks as well as that backpack, and help parents get them ready for school,” said Captain Moreno.
New this year, Moreno says they have an Amazon-Wishlist available with other needed items for the school year.
“There are some pencils on there. Every kid loves a fun new pencil. We make sure that each backpack has at least a folder and a notebook. Parents appreciate having a little extra supplies,” Moreno added.
Donations can be dropped off at any Salvation Army blue-barrel found in the community, present at various businesses, or dropped off directly at the Salvation Army Lincoln location at 2625 Potter Street.
Parents can sign their kids up for a backpack between July 29 and August 2, on a walk-in basis from 10 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their Lincoln location.