Getting ready for school, one family at a time

Kimmy Iron Bear, second from left, shows her mother, Angel Iron Bear, a pair of scissors while her sister Lexi Iron Bear and brother Little Man Iron Bear eagerly look through their new backpacks of school supplies they received at the Salvation Army Wednesday afternoon.

Kimmy, Lexi and Little Man Iron Bear eagerly dug through their new backpacks Wednesday afternoon.

The children each received a new backpack full of school supplies through the Salvation Army's annual Back To School Program for kindergarten through eighth-grade children of low-income and needs-based families.

Angel Iron Bear was delighted to have most of her children's school supplies for when school begins Monday, Aug. 29. "It helps me," she said. "I have five kids going into school. I love the Salvation Army for doing this."

Salvation Army Director of Social Services Trina Crawford said the official distribution of the school supplies and backpacks will be Wednesday of next week. She added that the need was so great this year, that the distribution and application process will also take place the morning of Thursday, Aug. 25. Appointments for the distribution days can be made by calling 265-6411.