Goderich Citadel Distributes 400 Backpacks to Children and Youth  

The Salvation Army Suncoast Citadel in Goderich held its annual backpack program to help families with school supplies for their children as they head back to the classroom.

Contributions of school supplies and monetary donations supported the distribution of backpacks throughout Huron County. This year, requests increased by over 40 per cent and generous donations from community members and partners allowed the Suncoast Citadel to meet the growing need provide over 400 backpacks to children and youth.

After reading a story about the backpack program in the Goderich newspaper, a local resident donated $1,000 toward the cause. Each backpack came with an inspiring Bible verse attached.

“With the growing registration list, we began to wonder if we would be able to provide backpacks for so many students, but the generous support of community partners and individuals from across Huron County made it possible,” Lt. Angela Kerr, Corps Officer with Suncoast Citadel. “Thank you to everyone who helped support our backpack program this year. It made a significant difference and provided hope to so many families.”

The impact of COVID-19 has also increased the demand for programs and services over the past 18 months. Suncoast Citadel will hold a Thanksgiving Food Drive on October 6 from 10am to 4pm, in partnership with Zehrs Goderich. Donations can be dropped off at Zehrs or at the Citadel.

Lt. Angela said shelves at the food bank have been depleted by the increased demand and non-perishable food donations will assist in supporting the distribution of food hampers in the months to come.

Christmas seems like a long time away, but The Salvation Army in Goderich expects a busy holiday season. Anticipating an increased demand, The Salvation Army counts on the Christmas Kettle campaign to support the distribution of both food and toy hampers throughout the Christmas Season and into 2022.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic has impacted many families and we appreciate every donation that makes life a little more hopeful for those in need,” said Suncoast Citadel Corps Officer, Lt Derek Kerr.

The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services in both Goderich and Clinton is thankful for the ongoing support from communities across Huron County.