25th Annual Back

Apr 20, 2024

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Ready to receive their backpacks, dozens lined up outside the Salvation Army North Corps and Kroc community centers this morning.

"The line is actually longer than last year's,” Lt. Johnny Miller, Salvation Army, said. “It's wrapped around the corner."

The first distribution day just wrapped up for the 25th annual Salvation Army 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack Drive, and that means students across the metro are one step closer to starting the school year off right.

Michael Dixon says he first came to the drive with his children. Now he's here with his grandkids.

“This is my second generation doing this,” Dixon said.

With five kids in school, Dixon says the backpack drive has helped his family tremendously.

“Really appreciate this drive,” Dixon said. “It means so much. You know, you can see the turnout that it always brings out.”

The backpacks are stuffed with all the necessities.

“Let's look in here together,” Indra Booker, a community member picking up supplies, said. “We got paper, notebook paper, look like a couple of folders, pencils, crayons."

Making the start of school that much easier.

“That's less stress that we have to go out and find for our kids and students going back to school this year."

The drive is impossible without volunteers like Margie Smith.

"This is one of my very favorite volunteer opportunities in Omaha,” Smith said. “I know that every kid that walks away with a bookbag is going to be on the same level playing field as every other kid in school."

And the help of the community.

“We just want to thank all the people who donated to help let them know they are making a difference in people's lives,” Dixon said.

Booker said, “Since Salvation Army and Channel 7 teamed up to do this, it’s a great, a great, a great thing for the community."

Distribution is over for today but will pick back up tomorrow.

If you missed it, you can head to the North Corps on 24th and Pratt, or the Kroc Center near 27th and Y Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. We'll also have a drive-thru distribution at Westroads Mall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reminder, it is open to K-12 students and you must bring proof of enrollment.

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