April 18, 2024
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Salvation Army of McHenry County to provide school supplies for families in need

Backpacks and supplies for children in kindergarten through 12th grade to be distributed in early August

By Northwest Herald staff report
Hundreds of No. 2 pencils await placement in backpacks as part of The Salvation Army's back-to-school supply program. Distribution is scheduled for Aug. 5 and 6.

Hundreds of No. 2 pencils await placement in backpacks as part of The Salvation Army's back-to-school supply program in this undated file photo. (H. Rick Bamman)

Backpacks and school supplies for children in need are in greater demand this year, the Salvation Army of McHenry County said as it rolls out its annual back-to-school program.

The Salvation Army is set to distribute backpacks and supplies for children in kindergarten through 12th grade in early August and is accepting donations now, according to a news release.

“Every year parents facing financial difficulties look for some assistance to help their children be prepared for the upcoming school year,” the nonprofit said in a news release. “In a year that includes a global pandemic, the need for help is greater today than in any other year in recent memory.”

Donations can be dropped off 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Salvation Army of McHenry County, 290 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Financial contributions are also accepted either through mail, dropped off at the Crystal Lake office or online at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/mchenry.

Families who are not able to provide their children with backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year can request assistance, according to the release. To qualify, families must meet certain criteria.

Parents or guardians must provide something that proves they live in McHenry County, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or lease; proof of household monthly income that shows that the annual household income is $48,500 or less for a family of four (adjustments are made for larger families) or that income was impacted by COVID-19; and birth certificates for each of the children receiving a backpack.

Applications will be accepted at the Salvation Army of McHenry County office in Crystal Lake, according to the release. An appointment is not necessary, and families will receive the backpacks and supplies in the same visit.

The windows for applications to be accepted and supplies distributed are 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5, and Aug. 6, as well as 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 7.

For information, call 815-455-2769.