Back To School Extravaganza an early success
More than 59 children and 22 families were served on Friday at The Salvation Army Bremerton’s Back to School Extravaganza.
The early season event, which included school supplies for all school-aged children and limited clothing, is one more way the Bremerton corps is able to serve those in need in Kitsap County.
“I think it’s very helpful for those who can’t afford it,” said Alyssa Ross. Ross brought her two daughters, Serenity O’Neill, 6 1/2, and Brooklyn Ross, 5 1/2, both of whom were able to walk away with new coats, other clothing items and a bag full of pencils, paper, erasers and more.
Families lined the hallway at the Bremerton corps before 10 a.m., when the event opened, to register. Families were then taken into an upper room where they were helped one-on-one with a volunteer to receive the school supplies and pick out clothes as needed. Nearly all children were able to find winter coats, hats and gloves.
Cherilee Ramsey, The Salvation Army’s officer along with husband Major Scott Ramsey, said the clothing was leftover from last year’s Christmas community clothing drive.
“There’s no need to hoard it and store it,” Ramsey said. “It goes quick when we give it out.”
Major Ramsey said The Salvation Army will hold another Back To School event in August at a to-be-determined date.