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The Salvation Army has teamed up with Walmart to provide new school supplies to local children in need through their “Stuff the Bus” campaign. This event will take place this weekend, August 7 through 9, at Walmart in Kitty Hawk.

For kids preparing for the upcoming school year, school supplies remain critical to their success. In light of COVID-19, The Salvation Army has adapted its services to ensure that children in every community can continue receiving the educational support they deserve.

When shoppers visit Walmart this weekend, they can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of the store.

“There are children in Dare County whose parents will have to make the tough choice between school supplies, groceries, the electric bill or insurance,” said Ken Clewis with The Salvation Army. “We anticipate this number will increase significantly this year due to the novel coronavirus.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, The Salvation Army has provided more than 65 million meals through a combination of prepared meals and food boxes, 1.45 million nights of safe shelter and emotional and spiritual support to more than 778,000 people, in addition to the financial assistance, hygiene kits and youth programs the organization provides in almost every zip code in America.

“Even though schools are starting virtually this year, kids still need school supplies,” said Toni Sawyer with community development and relations at The Salvation Army in Elizabeth City. “I know that a lot of kids get their school supplies from the school and are now not going to . . . I just know the need is going to be pretty large this year.”

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years in an effort to meet local community needs. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services that help them overcome poverty and economic hardships.

“Walmart has always been a really great help with the Salvation Army, letting us come in and help kids in need,” said Sawyer.

All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” campaign events will remain in the community. “Anything collected this weekend at the Walmart in Kitty Hawk will stay in Dare County,” Sawyer said. “It’s really about each community.”

For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

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