CLEARFIELD – The Salvation Army of Clearfield held its second annual “Tools for School” Back to School supply giveaway on Tuesday in Clearfield. The event was co-sponsored by Coventry Cares Health Care and Clearfield Bank and Trust.
Several community agencies participated in the event, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol, Parent to Parent, Cen-Clear Child Services, the Meadows and Coventry Cares. Beauticians from several area salons were there to give haircuts to the children, and there were eye and dental screenings available. All were free of charge. In addition, a free lunch of hot dogs, chips and water was provided for each attendee.
In all, approximately 400 people attended and 266 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to each child. The children got to play games and color, while their families learned more about community resources.
Captain Sharon Harford, corps commanding officer and pastor of the Salvation Army, stated, “It is important that all children get to start out on an equal footing to help make the school year successful. Hopefully, this will help each child’s self-esteem.
“This is a very exciting day for the Salvation Army. I would very much like to thank Alise Barr from Coventry Cares for all her support and Teri Jo Suhoney, my program assistant, for all her hard work on planning the event. We look forward to holding this event again next year.”
For more information on this or other Salvation Army programs, please contact the Salvation Army at 814-765-4981.