Sirens blared and lights flashed from the South Haven Fire Department Friday night at The Salvation Army of Porter County Corps Community Center. This was not a response to an emergency, but a response to a call from hundreds of Porter County children for school supplies.
During the week of July 20th, The Salvation Army bus traveled to three locations in Porter County for their Stuff the Bus campaign: Staples of Valparaiso, Kmart in Portage and Kmart in Chesterton to collect school supplies for children in need. Generous citizens not only stuffed the bus with supplies, but also stuffed the kettle with cash.
Volunteers assisted in shopping and filling backpacks to give to the children on Friday night. Special care and attention was made so that each child received “just the right” backpack filled with the supplies for their grade level. The children smiled, and many excitedly looked through their backpacks to see what treasures were inside. Grateful parents expressed their thanks to those handing out the backpacks.
The event which was organized by Emily Smith and Kathy Childress of The Salvation Army, and headed by Majors Jon and Kim Welch, was planned as an outdoor party, but was quickly moved inside the church as the raindrops fell. The church, though small in square footage, was big in spirit and soon became a beehive of activity.
Once inside, children were offered free haircuts by eight area hairdressers who “set up shop” in the sanctuary. Participating salons and stylists were Trendsetter Family Hair Salon of Valparaiso, The Cut Above of Valparaiso, Hair Rocks of Portage, God’s Gift 4 Kids, and Betty Lenaburg who all kept the clicking shears and buzzing clippers going until the last child was done.
The South Haven Fire Department brought their Smoke House for the children to experience, and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department offered safety information. Ivy Tech Community College was there for parents and college-bound high school students, Porter Hospital brought nutrition information and bicycle helmets for the children, and PATH (Positive Approach to Teen Health) shared materials of interest to parents and teens. Volunteers delighted the children with face painting as well as the opportunity to create a beaded necklace or bracelet.
As the rain subsided, some families moved outdoors to enjoy hot dogs, chips, cookies, popsicles, and soft drinks. Special thanks must be given to the following: Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indiana for donating all the drinks for the Back to School Fair and providing custom made signs for the event; Speedway of America for donating over 400 pounds of ice through their store on Sturdy Road and Route 30 in Valparaiso; and Bethel Church and Ministries of Crown Point for donating 100 Nike backpacks (half of the total number needed this year).
During the evening, one mother spoke quietly to Major Jon Welch and said, “You people are very special to do this, to help like this. My husband just lost his job, and we weren’t sure what we were going to do. Getting school supplies means a lot to us. You helped us realize that we’re not alone…it came just at the right time. God bless you.”
The Salvation Army is best known for its efforts at Christmas during the Red Kettle Campaign, when volunteers ring the bell to collect donations around Porter County. The truth is that the bell NEVER stops ringing. It rings for those who find themselves in need. Need knows no season.
Everyday, The Salvation Army of Porter County receives calls to assist and comfort. You may not hear the bell with your physical ears, but know that it still silently rings as a call to aid. All donations may be made to The Salvation Army of Porter County, as always “Doing the Most Good.”