Volunteers form the driving force behind backpack distribution events

OMAHA, Neb.—The Salvation Army of Omaha’s 28th annual backpack distribution events took place August 7 and 8.

Students and their families walked into the Kroc Center at 2825 Y St. and the North Omaha Corps at 2401 Manderson St. to pick up backpacks and school supplies on both dates.  Meantime, a drive-thru distribution took place at Westroads Mall on Aug. 8.  

Key to the success of these events:  Dozens of local volunteers, who helped staff them from start to finish.

"You can never have too many volunteers," Dee Brown of The Salvation Army said.

Linda Collins said she has been volunteering for the backpack giveaway for around 10 years.

"I love to see the smile on a kid's face when they get a book bag,” she said.  “And then not only just the children; we have some parents that cry because they didn't know where they were going to get that child's book bag and supplies."

Collins said all the positivity at the distribution events gives her joy.

“When I see that, I'm thankful to God."

Brown echoed that sentiment.

“The smiles on their faces when they get to pick out the backpack that they want,” she said.  “They're super excited.  It just makes them ready to go to school."