The Salvation Army of McHenry County provides school supplies for families in need

Every year parents facing financial difficulties look for some assistance to help their children be prepared for the upcoming school year. In a year that includes a global pandemic, the need for help is greater today than in any other year in recent memory. The Salvation Army attempts to ease the struggle by providing school supplies for the children of McHenry County. Assistance to those besieged by financial stress comes in the form of new backpacks full of necessary school supplies for any child who is in need.

This is an issue in our area and The Salvation Army of McHenry County's Back-to-School Backpack Program was developed to help this yearly dilemma.

Any families who are not able to provide their children with backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming Fall 2020 school year can request assistance. The requirement to obtain a free backpack is the following: eligibility is based on annual household income that is $48,500 or less for a family of four (adjustments are made for larger families) or those affected by COVID-19 and living in McHenry County.

To qualify for assistance, parents must provide the following information:

1. One form of verification of residency in McHenry County - driver's license, utility bill, lease, etc.

2. Proof of household monthly income - pay stubs, child support, social security, etc.

3. Birth certificates for each of the children receiving a backpack (they no longer take social security cards only)

The Salvation Army will provide backpacks and supplies for children between the grades of kindergarten through 12th grade. Applications will be accepted at their office located at 290 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. An appointment is not necessary. Families just need to show up within the listed time frame, register and receive their backpack(s) in the same visit. Children are welcome and may pick out the backpack of their choice.

Distribution dates will be: Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.; Friday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Donations for the 2020 Back-to-School program have started coming in, but with an increase in need this year, the donations are in much greater demand.

All donations can be dropped off at The Salvation Army of McHenry County from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Financial contributions are also being accepted for the Back-to-School Program (B2S) either through mail in, drop off to the above location or online at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/mchenry.

For more information on the Back-to-School program, call (815) 455-2769.

The Salvation Army has served the communities in McHenry County for more than 27 years of dedicated service. The McHenry County Corps provides meals, clothing, school supplies, toys, financial, and spiritual assistance to those in need. The McHenry County Corps is located in Crystal Lake at 290 W. Crystal Lake Ave. and is part of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division.