It was a busy Friday for the people with the Salvation Army of Ardmore. That morning they were out at Toyota of Ardmore giving out 100 backpacks, then that afternoon they were at Academy Sports + Outdoors giving out 200 $150 gift cards.
The morning began at Toyota of Ardmore where the organization handed out the backpacks. The event was part of a nationwide partnership between the Salvation Army, the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association and Walmart. Each backpack was stocked with supplies from Walmart tailored to the specific grade levels of the recipients. Each backpack also included a $10 Walmart gift card.
“We are honored to stand together in support of families who shouldn’t have to choose between buying back-to-school supplies and paying essential bills like food and rent,” said Major Nakisha Carr of the Salvation Army of Ardmore. “We’re grateful for a continued partnership with TLMODA and their shared dedication to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable families and students in need. Together, we will work to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.”
Friday afternoon, it was on to Academy to hand out the gift cards. These gift cards could be used to purchase clothes, shoes or sports equipment. The children receiving the cards were preselected from families that have applied for assistance through The Salvation Army’s social service programs such as the Angel Tree or for food/utility assistance.
“This is the first time we’ve ever done this with the gift cards,” said Major Bobby Carr. “We chose Academy because they can get clothing, they can get shoes, they can get sports equipment, almost whatever they need right here.”
He said the reception has been excellent.
“There are some families with four to six kids that we’re helping, so if you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck back to school is a big expense,” he said. “When you add in the layoffs and everything else, this is something that really helps families out.”
Major Bobby Carr noted this program did not take away from any existing programs already offered by the Salvation Army of Ardmore. Instead, it was something new they felt to be important.
They also hope to see this program grow in the future.
“The plan is, if we raise enough money this Christmas we’re going to try to expand it by 50 kids a year,” he said.
