Salvation Army Helps Kids Head Back to School

School supplies are in high demand these days, but they aren't the only items kids need to head back to school. Necessities like underwear and socks are also essential for many struggling families.

Tuesday, August 18th 2009, 6:59 pm

By: News 9


By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- School supplies are in high demand these days, but they aren't the only items kids need to head back to school.

There are lots of Oklahoma kids out there who are going back to school without new undergarments. But the Salvation Army is there to help out families who can make it to downtown Oklahoma City.

Latiesha Allison went to the Salvation Army for utility assistance. Allison needs help with her electric bill, water bill and gas bill, and the Salvation Army helps her pay those bills.

Allison is also out of a job right now, with three kids at home and without the money to buy underwear and socks.

But her daughter, Mercedes, is thankful. The Salvation Army is distributing underclothes to school-aged children with proof of income, residency and enrollment.

In just the first day of the program, more than 1,200 clothing items were handed out.

"Each child gets three pairs of socks, three pairs of under wear, three pairs of undershirts," said Heide Brandes, with the Salvation Army.

For many of the less fortunate in the metro, clean underwear is just as important as pencils and paper to prepare kids for their education.

Thanks to the program, Allison's kids are ready for their first day back, and Latiesha is especially grateful for the community's support.

The mother of three said she doesn't know what she would do with the Salvation Army.

"I don't know. I really don't know ‘cause I don't have a job now. I'm unemployed, so they help me out a lot," Latiesha Allison said.

The Salvation Army said they've already run out of a few sizes, and that donations are still welcomed. They're hoping supplies will last for about three weeks.

Distribution runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekdays. If you need help or would like to donate, the Salvation Army is located at 501 South Harvey in Oklahoma City.

 

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