Salvation Army Prepares to Distribute 500 Backpacks in Truro

With back-to-school just around the corner, The Salvation Army in Truro is preparing for their first annual backpack program to help families who are unable to afford school supplies for their children.

“We know there are many people in need in Colchester county so we decided to start our first backpack program,” explains Lt. Whitney Reid, co-leader of The Salvation Army in Truro. 

Each year, The Salvation Army operates backpack programs across the Maritimes to help families in need, but this is the first year The Salvation Army location in Truro has run this program. 

“There are also many people experiencing long-term financial impacts due to the pandemic,” she explains. “We know there will be many people who need help with school supplies this year so we are preparing 500 backpacks.”

The Salvation Army in Truro provides programs and services for both the town of Truro and the surrounding community of Colchester county, which has a population of more than 50,000 people. The team is proudly working with two community partners, Staples and Nissan, to make this possible.

“We are so grateful for both of our community partners,” she explains. “They are going above and beyond to support our program and help their neighbours in need.”

Those who want to support this program are encouraged to drop school supplies off to the local corps. Items such as pencils, bookbags, markers, rulers, notebooks, can be dropped off at 14 Outram Street, Truro, Nova Scotia from Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M, at the local Staples location or at Truro Nissan. 

“We know people want to help us and this is a great opportunity to do so.”

Learn more about The Salvation Army’s programs and services in the Maritimes.