On Monday, Aug. 26, the Salvation Army of Centralia held their back-to-school drive and “Lewis County Get Connected” fair, which included free school supplies, free lunch and a number of resources for local families to utilize as children return to class from summer break.
Salvation Army Captains Gin and Steven Pack hosted the event and organized the distribution of the school supplies as well as the free hot dog lunch.
Steven said that they provided 220 hot dogs during the free lunch and, from that, the pair estimated that roughly 310 people made their way through the parking lot.
The local organizations present included housing services, a mobile Department of Social and Health Services office, the Centralia School District, Centralia police, the Area Agency on Aging, Centralia College, the Community Mediation Center and New Directions Counseling.
The event not only offered free lunch and resources but also activities such as button- and jewelry-making for the kids, as well as a bounce house.
All leftover school supplies that were not handed out during the event will be available for pickup from the Salvation Army’s food bank located at 303 N. Gold St. in Centralia.
“We provide a lot more than just food even though it's a food bank,” Gin said. “We have hygiene items, back-to-school supplies and almost anything in between.”
Gin and Steven have been Salvation Army officers since June 2016 and began serving Lewis County in October 2018.
“We’re incredibly privileged to be in Lewis County.” Gin said.
The Salvation Army of Centralia offers many programs throughout the year, including an after-school program on Tuesdays where youths ages 5 to 17 have access to transportation and receive a free dinner.
The kids who participate also get priority when signing up for the Salvation Army’s summer camp and, while they participate in the after-school program, have the opportunity to go on planned trips. This all comes at no cost to the families of the children.
Heading into the Christmas season, the Salvation Army will serve around 700 local youths by handing out toys.
These seasonal events are all made possible by the fundraising that happens during the nine weeks that makeup red kettle season. These funds sustain almost all of the Salvation Army's programs throughout the year, including the back-to-school drive and summer camp.
“Even if you don't have a lot to give financially, just giving back into the community by putting in your time to be here for the youth is an investment in itself,” Gin said.
Community members who would like to support the Salvation Army in its efforts to serve the Lewis County community can register to ring bells for the red kettles at registertoring.com.
For more information and to stay updated on Centralia Salvation Army events, visit its Facebook page or https://centralia.salvationarmy.org.
