On Wednesday, the annual Tools for Schools giveaway held by Combined Community Services provided nearly 1,200 children in Kosciusko County with the necessary supplies they need to begin school next week.

In past years, the program served approximately 900 on the day of the 7-hour giveaway and an additional 600 whose parents were not able to attend the event at the Kosciusko County Community Fairgrounds. “We definitely saw the longest lines we’ve ever seen,” said Steve Possell, CCS executive director, speaking on Wednesday’s event.

Peggi Lisenbee-Wright, director of client services for CCS, said children are stilling coming to CCS for supplies in preparation to start school next week. Final numbers will be available then.

Wednesday’s Tools for Schools giveaway also included free haircuts by stylists from Fiesta, and breakfast was served.

The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County also recently assisted 353 children from
120 families with new shoes to prepare for this year’s school year. The “Sole Purpose” program is sponsored by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and has helped low income families for over 15 years with the expenses of their children going back to school.

Gift certificates were given to each family to shop at K-Mart or Shoe Show in Warsaw for their child’s back to school shoes. Those two retail outlets also provided discounts and sales for those with certificates.

“We love being able to help the children get back to school in new shoes,” noted Ruth Casner, Women’s Auxiliary president. “Through the annual nut sale and soup and pie luncheon, The Salvation Army is able to fund these certificates.”

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary meets on a regular basis to financially support and volunteer for the various activities of The Salvation Army in Kosciusko County.

For more information about The Salvation Army, call 574-267-5361.