The Salvation Army partners with Fred Meyer for

School Supply Drive

Back-to-school campaign runs Aug. 8 through Sept. 9 to inspire Oregonians to give school supplies for local kids in need

(PORTLAND, OR) Aug. 18, 2022 – As life returns to normal for many, millions of American families and individuals continue to experience daily challenges that threaten their wellbeing due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the current economic conditions of inflation and rising costs of everyday goods and services.  The back-to-school season can place a tremendous burden on families experiencing financial hardship, as they are forced to choose between putting food on the table, paying increasing rent costs, or making sure their kids have the tools needed for educational success.

To help meet the need, The Salvation Army is working with Fred Meyer to collect school supplies for local children in need from Monday, Aug. 8 to Friday, Sept. 9 at several suburban locations.  School supplies may be purchased at Fred Meyer and donated at the customer service desk.

“Fred Meyer is proud of our ongoing relationship with The Salvation Army,” stated Jeffery Temple, Fred Meyer Director of Corporate Affairs.  “We appreciate the opportunity to partner again for a back-to-school initiative to support the communities that we call home.”

Major Bob Lloyd, Portland Metro Coordinator of The Salvation Army, Cascade Division noted that school supplies are an integral part to starting the school year off right for all school-age children.

“There are more than 140,000 children heading back to school in the Portland metro area this year, and many of them are struggling to make ends meet,” Lloyd said.  “By donating school supplies for a child in need, you can empower families to start the school year well and achieve success in the future.  It’s the boost of confidence they need when getting back to normal after a challenging couple of years.”

For the past two years, The Salvation Army Cascade Division has provided more than 185,000 meals, 44,000 nights of shelter, 46,000 food boxes to local families and individuals, and more than 3,000 backpacks as part of several back-to-school Salvation Army program events. 

In addition to much-needed school supplies, The Salvation Army provides summer camp; emergency residential programs; several hospitality and food bank programs; as well as extracurricular activities to help kids and families succeed.  With the current economic conditions leading to financial hardships, school supplies will be critical to helping kids prepare and succeed.

All supplies will be distributed to families in the community where they are given, to help local children enter the school year ready to succeed.  To learn more and find out how you can get involved with your local Salvation Army, visit www.portland.salvationarmy.org.   

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About The Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army annually helps 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services.  By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country.  In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.  For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.  Follow us on Twitter: @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood