Nearly one-third of the children in Omaha live in poverty and the numbers are sure to increase through these uncertain economic times. To assist these children, The Salvation Army and KETV 7 Can Help Kids are teaming up to collect school supplies.  Since 1998 more than 87,000 local kids have been assisted through this program.

The Salvation Army/KETV Seven Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program is providing thousands of local children with backpacks, school supplies and free physicals they will need to make the 2010-2011 school year one full of learning and fun.

The following items are needed:  back packs, crayons, markers, rulers, glue, erasers, spiral notebooks, two pocket folders, pencils, pens and filler paper.

School supplies are now being collected through August 11.  They can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center, 3612 Cuming Street, any of the 33 First National Bank branch locations, or Staples, 151 N 78th Street.  Monetary donations can be made on-line at www.GiveSalvationArmy.org

Distribution of the backpacks
Omaha Public Library Millard Branch
132 &Westwood Lane
August 7, 9 a.m. – 12 noon

The Salvation Army Kroc Center
28 & Y Streets
August 12 & 13, 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 – 4 p.m.
August 14, 9 a.m. – 12 noon

The Salvation Army North Omaha Community Center
24 & Pratt Streets
August 12 & 13, 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 – 4 p.m.
August 14, 9 a.m. – 12 noon

Boys Town Pediatrics will be providing free school physicals at all locations on August 7, 12 and 13.

The Salvation Army and KETV are grateful to Back To School sponsors First National Bank, NRG Radio, Boystown Pediatrics, Staples and Payless Office Products.