NEWS

It’s All About Kids

Kids are welcomed by a crowd of volunteer hands at the annual All About Kids event at Kroc Center.

On Monday, Aug. 12, members of the Keizertimes staff joined a group of about 85 volunteers at JCPenney in Salem Center in order to shop for nearly 200 local children’s back to school clothes. More than half the children were from Keizer. Among the volunteers were a group of 40 from Corban University women’s soccer team.

This annual event, “All About Kids” is put on by The Salem Salvation Army Kroc Center. Each volunteer was given a $150-200 budget along with paperwork listing the child’s sizes and any special requests. JCPenney also contributed a 20 percent discount.

The funds used for this event were obtained through a Kroc Center fundraising dinner in May. Donors included individuals, organizations and businesses including Pence Construction, the largest single donor.

The event culminated Thursday, Aug. 15, when families arrived at the Kroc Center to collect their school clothes and supplies. About 85 volunteers were on hand for Thursday’s session.

In addition to their new wardrobe, each child received about $75 worth of supplies including backpacks.

As part of the event, children also had access to free haircuts by Sports Clips, dental checks by Moda Health, bounce houses, face painting, barbecue dinner for the family and numerous other family services.

Parents who wish to participate next year are instructed to reach out next June to either their local Department of Human Services office or The Salvation Army.

If children still need clothing or supplies for this coming school year, parents can contact their child’s school counselor, even after the school year starts.

A student picks out supplies for the upcoming school year.

A student receives a back-to-school haircut from one of the employees of Sport Clips.

Andrea Arreguia and Tyrean Jordan of Keizer Chase Bank shop for school children on Monday, Aug. 12 at JCPenney.