TOLEDO, Ohio — Starting Monday and lasting through Wednesday, parents of Lucas County students can register their children to receive free school supplies for the upcoming school year.
The 'Backpack and School Supply' pre-registration event will be held by the Salvation Army of Toledo, and will allow parents to connect their children with free supplies.
In order to register, parents will need to bring a photo ID, proof of address and proof of custody.
Leaders at the Salvation Army said they hope that providing basic school supplies will help prepare students for the first day of school.
For JR Fritsch, executive director of the Northwestern Ohio Salvation Army Area Services, this drive helps out families in the community.
"It's needed more than ever," Fritsch said. "Our food pantry alone has doubled the number of families that we are serving, and so we know that the backpacks are much needed, especially if you have several children having to buy backpacks and all the supplies that they need, that can really stretch a family budget."
This registration is for anyone going to kindergarten through the 12th grade.
Fritsch shared why this means so much to him personally.
"If you don't have the right things, it makes it tough to focus. If you know you don't need something, it's a great opportunity for us to show the community we care about them and want to help them," said Fritsch.
Pre-registration will take place Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration will take place at 620 N. Erie St. in Toledo.
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