Press Release: Fred Meyer and Salvation Army Kicking Off Back-To-School Donations Drive Starting August
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August 1, 2026
FOR RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Tiffany Sanders, Fred Meyer Head of Public Affairs (425) 753-0633
Elaina Dulaney, Director of Marketing and Communications, (206) 217-1246
Fred Meyer and Salvation Army Kicking Off Back-To-School Donations Drive Starting August 1st
Partnership Aims to Equip Thousands of Local Students for the New School Year
(Seattle, WA) – Fred Meyer teaming up with The Salvation Army to ensure thousands of children across the Northwest return to school equipped with the essential supplies they need to learn and succeed.
Throughout the month of August, every Fred Meyer store will host a school supply collection box at the Customer Service Center. Customers are encouraged to drop off new school supplies to support local students in need. At the end of the campaign, The Salvation Army will collect and distribute the donated items through its Community Centers, providing grade-appropriate backpacks full of supplies to families who need extra support heading into the school year.
“At Fred Meyer, we want to make a difference in our communities," said Tiffany Sanders, Fred Meyer Head of Public Affairs. "We're thankful to partner with Salvation Army to ensure that every student has the supplies to succeed at school."
A Growing Need in Our Communities
Last year, nearly 9,000 children received essential school supplies through this partnership, and the need continues to grow. The Salvation Army’s Northwest Division anticipates serving at least as many children again this year, as many families continue to face economic challenges.
“The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to Fred Meyer and our generous neighbors for their continued support in helping every child start the school year ready to succeed,” said Lt. Colonel Kelly Pontsler, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Northwest Division. “We remain committed to helping children in need by offering a hand up to youth and easing the burden on families—so no one has to choose between school supplies and putting food on the table.”
Top Most-Needed School Supplies (All Grades)
· Backpacks (sturdy, medium or large size)
· Notebooks (wide-ruled and college-ruled)
· Binders & Folders (1" or 2" binders, 2-pocket folders)
· Pencils (No. 2 and mechanical)
· Pens (blue, black, and red ink)
· Crayons (24-count)
· Markers & Highlighters
· Colored Pencils
· Glue Sticks & School Glue
· Scissors (kid-safe or youth-sized)
· Erasers (pencil-top and large pink)
· Rulers (inches & centimeters)
· Pencil Cases or pouches
· Loose-leaf Paper (wide-ruled and college-ruled)
· Composition Books
· Index Cards (3x5 lined)
· Dry Erase Markers
· Headphones/Earbuds (for classroom tech use)
· Tissues (small packs for backpacks)
· Hand Sanitizer or Sanitizing Wipes
Low Prices Help Customers Give More
Fred Meyer is committed to helping families stretch their budgets while getting the supplies students need to start the school year ready to learn. Customers can find a wide selection of affordable school supplies, including trusted brands like Crayola®, Elmer’s®, Paper Mate®, Oxford® and Top Flight®. As a Crayola Best-in-Class retailer, Fred Meyer makes it easy for customers to find quality classroom essentials at prices that help their dollars go further.
Support In-Store or Online
For those who prefer to contribute financially, monetary donations can be made online at:
www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-western-territory/northwest/
Funds will be used to fill in supply gaps and ensure every child receives what they need.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 when William Booth decided to take his ministry into the streets of London where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. It is now part of the universal Christian Church, and an international organization meeting human needs in 134 countries around the globe. The Salvation Army continues its tradition in the Northwest Division by serving more than 620,000 people annually, always meeting human needs without discrimination. Among the services offered in this region are rent/utility/gas assistance, food pantry, clothing, disaster relief services, summer camps, holiday assistance, services for the aging, medical facilities, shelters for battered women and children, family and career counseling, vocational training, correction services, and substance abuse rehabilitation.
About Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer Stores based in Portland, Ore., offers one-stop shopping at its 132 multidepartment stores in four western states. More than 39,000 Fred Meyer associates help customers fill their food, apparel, and general merchandise needs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Stores range in size from 65,000 to 200,000 square feet and carry more than 250,000 products under one roof. Additionally, Fred Meyer contributes $5 million to communities across the Northwest each year through grants from the Fred Meyer Foundation as well as product donations, cash donations and sponsorships. Fred Meyer also donates 6 million pounds of food to local food banks each year via the Food Rescue Program. Fred Meyer Stores is a division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). For more information, please visit our Web site at www.fredmeyer.com.
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