Salvation Army of Ardmore helps 200 local families with back to school shopping

ARDMORE, Okla. (KXII) – Bobby Carr with The Salvation Army of Ardmore says they’re helping local kids start their first day of school on a positive note.

“You going somewhere new, you starting somewhere new, it makes you feel good to look good. if you dress the best you can and feel good about your appearance it helps your attitude going forward,” Carr said.

Carr says 200 families in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program and social services will each receive a $150 gift card to use at Academy during Oklahoma’s tax free weekend.

“They can come in and shop for their back to school needs with tax free and save a lot of money,” Academy manager Benjamin Sanders said.

“Plus the additional sales going on they can get quality clothing, shoes and even the kids who are in sports programs they can use them for those needs,” Carr added.

He says the program is focused on supporting families in need to get ready for the upcoming school year.

“We wanted to do something for the working families and the families that are struggling with layoffs in the area,” Carr stated.

Families can use the funds in store or online for back to school gear including clothing, backpacks and lunch boxes.

“You like to help give children something of quality, something that they can be proud to wear,” Carr said.

“They’ll be able to shop their sporting good needs because its not just what they’re gonna be wearing in the classroom but also what they’re gonna be wearing on the field,” Sanders added.

Carr says they’re aiming to expand the program to help even more families with their back to school needs next year.

“The plan is to add 50 kids next year and my goal is at Christmas to raise additional money to meet that need,” Carr said.

Copyright 2024 KXII. All rights reserved.