Salvation Army aids in school prep

More than 100 children gathered at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Surprise Tuesday morning, as part of the Salvation Army's effort to help those in need get ready for school.

The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club, supplied area families with $100 to spend toward new clothes and school supplies. Norma Rogers, Envoy in charge of the Salvation Army of Sun City, said planning for Tuesday began months ago.

"We start getting prepared probably six months beforehand," Rogers said. "It takes a lot of time and effort to make sure we're ready, but of course it is worth it in the end."

Stephanie Marz, a volunteer with the Peoria Rotary Club, was snapping photos of the families as they signed in. Marz said she and her fellow volunteers get a lot of satisfaction out of helping with events like those.

"This is what we do, you know? This is what we're about," Marz said. "We exist as an organization to help those who need it. I love being here."

PHOTO GALLERY: Click here to see more photos from the Peoria and Surprise back-to-school shopping sprees.

Rogers said just shy of 20 people volunteered to help with the event, including several individuals from the community who came on their own. Without volunteers, Rogers said, Tuesday's event and others like it would be very difficult to get off the ground.

"It would be impossible without them here," Rogers said. "Especially with days like today. Some of these families have several children, and if the mother had to do all the shopping herself, it would be very overwhelming. The volunteers take a lot of pressure off them and help them find the best deals."

Rogers said a letter is sent to all the schools in the area and after that, it's a matter of helping as many children as possible.

"We help everyone," Rogers said. "We don't discriminate. If there is a need, we are here for them. As long as they fill out all the paperwork we require and provide the identification we require, we will help."

With an identical event being held Wednesday morning in Peoria, Rogers said the Salvation Army has a lot of work left to do. But, she added, none of them would trade it for anything.

"It means a lot to all of us, I can tell you that," Rogers said. "You see the smiles on those children's faces, on their parents' faces. The volunteers, too. It means a lot to us to make that happen."

Jeff Dempsey may be reached at 623-876-2531 or jdempsey@yourwestvalley.com.