More Than 400 Central Indiana Children Set to Attend The Salvation Army's Back-to-School Event
The Salvation Army of Central Indiana is preparing children for another successful school year with a Back-to-School event. Hundreds of backpacks, school supplies and shoes will help families and children start school year ready to learn.
On Tuesday, July 21, more than 400 pre-registered parents and children will visit SENSE Charter School at 1601 Barth Ave. in Indianapolis, host of this year’s Salvation Army Back-to-School event. From 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM, children can pick out a free backpack and “shop” for school supplies. School supplies will consist of paper, notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, markers and much more.
“For area families who are struggling just to make ends meet, an event like this means more than most of us will ever know,” said Major Dan Sawka of The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. “Something as simple as notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies will give children confidence when they walk into their first day of school.”
Children will also receive a new pair of socks and be fitted for the correct shoe size by local Shoe Carnival representatives. The Salvation Army partners with Shoe Carnival to provide gift cards for each child to purchase new school shoes at their local Shoe Carnival. The Salvation Army also partners with Two Men and a Truck to help us get all the supplies on location.
The shoe and school supplies giveaway is made possible by long-time Salvation Army donor, Laura Lewis. Laura passed away in 2023, but her legacy still lives on through this event. Laura, who was orphaned as a young child and sometimes had no shoes, wanted to ensure other Central Indiana children won’t struggle in the same way.
“We are blessed to be able to continue the legacy of Laura Lewis and extend her caring heart to families in Central Indiana,” said Major Sawka. “Making sure these kids are prepared for school is what Mrs. Lewis intended when this event began more than 30 years ago.”