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Three hundred children received backpacks full of school supplies August 5 at the The Salvation Army Stillman Sawyer Family Service Center In Harbor City, California. Volunteers helped the kids, whose parents had signed up prior to the event, select their backpack. Meanwhile, parents could visit the center’s food pantry.
Community support helped make the day a success. Moog Aircraft Group contributed around 30 backpacks/supplies and brought volunteers to help at the event. As an added bonus for the kids, Pro Barber College set up shop in one of the center’s rooms offering free haircuts.
The Salvation Army Torrance Corps congregation set a goal to raise enough money for 50 backpacks, but in the end they actually contributed enough money for around 60 backpacks with supplies.
“This is my first year at Operation Backpack as an employee of The Salvation Army,” said Amy Hudson, Torrance Corps Assistant. “It was sweet to see the kids’ smiling faces as they are getting ready to head back to school. They were most excited to choose their favorite color backpack. In each pack we included a note letting them know how much Jesus loves them. We hope that plants a seed in their hearts and those of their families.”
In addition to school supplies and a food bank, the Stillman Sawyer Family Service Center provides Christmas toys and food, referrals, job search assistance and air conditioning and refrigeration vocational training courses, plus Bible study on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The center serves individuals and families in Torrance, Lomita, Carson, Harbor City and Wilmington; Ernesto Madrid is the center’s Social Service Manager.
