Ottawa County Salvation Army Lightens Back-to-School Load with Free Supplies

Nothing says back-to-school like new backpacks and school supplies, but the financial toll can be heavy. The Salvation Army Service Center of Ottawa County is stepping up to help local families ease that burden.

Mary Cooley has been through a lot this year, gaining custody of her three grandchildren and losing her husband. On a recent Friday, she joined 110 other families at the Salvation Army’s Tools for School event to fill backpacks with essential school supplies, completely free of charge.

Erica Ward, the director of the Ottawa County Salvation Army Service Center, explains that families get a school supplies list and can pick the specific items they need. It’s not just about handing out generic kits but making sure kids get exactly what's on their list.

Harmony, Cooley’s youngest granddaughter, couldn't hide her excitement as she showed off her new backpack filled with supplies. “I got a supply box, some erasers, and a bunch of dry erase markers,” she shared, all smiles.

But the generosity didn't stop there. Vistra, the parent company of David Besse, donated half of the school supplies and 75 fans to help families beat the summer heat. Vistra’s Mark Kanz emphasized the importance of bolstering the communities where their company operates and their employees live.

The Tools for School program is one of the many ways the Salvation Army supports the community, showing that school readiness is about more than just pencils and notebooks; it’s about lifting spirits and easing the financial stress that comes with preparing for a new academic year.

Looking ahead, the Salvation Army of Greater Toledo has added an extra day to pre-register for their Tools for School program, recognizing the ongoing need for such initiatives. From backpacks to new opportunities, they’re making sure no kid gets left behind as the school bell rings.

Families planning to attend the future events must bring a photo ID, proof of address, proof of child/children’s age, and custody papers if applicable. The distribution of supplies will be held at the Salvation Army on N. Erie Street in Toledo, giving another layer of comfort to many families who count on local organizations for support.