(Tacoma, WA) – 350 low-income youth will receive new clothing as part of The Salvation Army’s back-to-school program. Thanks to generous Salvation Army donors, students from across western Washington from Bellingham to Vancouver will each receive about $100 worth of new clothes for the school year.

The participating students were selected by The Salvation Army, using State and Federal guidelines to assess need. All students are grades K – 12, and most participate in their schools’ free or reduced lunch program.

Volunteers will participate as chaperones giving each child one-on-one shopping help. All participants will follow health and safety requirements. To further stretch the donors’ donations, Old Navy is giving an additional 20 percent discount off the lowest prices.

“For years, Old Navy has been the go-to destination for families’ back-to-school shopping, as our fashions are always focused on fun with clothes that are stylish, functionable and above all, comfortable,” said Eric Larsen, Regional Director for Old Navy. “We know that growing kids need new clothes every school year, and while class may look a little different, Old Navy is thrilled to help outfit and inspire confidence for kids this fall.”

The back-to-school clothing campaign is a collaboration of Salvation Army locations across western Washington. “We’ve seen so many more families coming to The Salvation Army for assistance,” said Lt. Colonel Cindy Foley, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in the Northwest. “With families losing jobs, or having reduced work hours, budgets are tighter than usual. Clothing and shoes are still needed but are not necessarily an option for these families.”

The project is funded by Salvation Army donors. “We are grateful to the community for the generous support of these students,” said Lt. Colonel Cindy Foley. “Donations of all sizes make this event possible. From $10 and $20 gifts to larger donations, it all adds up to help local families during this time.” Donations are still accepted at https://salarmy.us/backtoschoolshopping

About: The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 when William Booth decided to take his ministry into the streets of London where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. It is now part of the universal Christian Church, and an international organization meeting human needs in 130 countries around the globe. The Salvation Army continues its tradition in the Northwest, helping more than 600,000 people annually, always meeting human needs without discrimination. Among the services offered in this region are food, shelter, addiction recovery, domestic violence aid, youth programs, and disaster relief.

– The Salvation Army