Edhat StaffBy the edhat staff
This week the Salvation Army of Santa Barbara handed out backpacks and school supplies to students on the Westside ahead of the new school year.
Local children and their families showed up at Bohnett Park next to the United Boys and Girls Club to receive much needed supplies.
“I’m heartened by all the community support for our students. Especially after so many challenges, this new school year represents a fresh start, full of optimism and excitement. Thank you to the Salvation Army for helping kids be more prepared for what lies ahead,” said Laura Capps, Santa Barbara Unified School District Board Member.
Capps connected the Salvation Army team with ‘We Care,’ a program of Sage Publication run by Alejandra Gutierrez, Councilmember for Santa Barbara’s Eastside. Gutierrez stated that with inflation pressures, “children need to have their basic needs covered, now more than ever. With prices going up on everything around us, for many parents coming out of this pandemic, getting their children ready for back to school can take a real toll on them financially.”
The Salvation Army, led by Advisory Board Chair Angela Krablin, quickly obtained backpacks and supplies. Krablin noted, “feeling prepared for the school year with a sturdy backpack and supplies helps a child feel confident and excited for school to start. I’m thrilled that the Salvation Army and our Santa Barbara Advisory Board can be of help to children in this community.”
Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez, who represents the Westside, was on hand to help with the backpack distribution to families. “I just want to encourage everyone to spread the word about this event, and thank everyone who did their part to make it happen. Our neighborhood kids need every possible bit of encouragement that they can get, and schools supplies is a great start,” he said.
The Salvation Army provides the Hospitality House on Chapala St to shelter individuals experiencing homelessness and also provides a food pantry at its Goleta location.
