July 26, 2007 — Need a buddy? You can find a grateful though anonymous one if you join the Salvation Army's Be a Buddy program starting this week.
The agency is asking for school supplies for youngsters going back to school who don't have the resources to equip themselves with the stuff of schoolwork — paper, notebooks, crayons, pencils, pens, glue sticks, rulers or anything else that will help the learning process.
"We want to gather these supplies before the kids start back in school,” said Salvation Army board member Maria Ferreras. “There are so many underprivileged youngsters whose families simply don't have the money to go out and get what they need.”
Even small donations will help, she said.
"There's lots of kids right around this area in Savan, kids that come to us for the meals we distribute at lunch time," Ferreras said. "We aren't asking individuals for a lot. Even if you can stop by and leave a set of pens or a notebook, that will help. When people are shopping, we are asking them to throw a few items in the cart. We will put the items in individual bundles for each child. Or, if someone wants to leave a cash donation, we'll shop for the supplies ourselves."
Ferreras said she is contacting community organizations as well.
"I know some organizations already have this kind of drive, but this will supplement any other efforts," she said. "If any group needs a pickup, we can do that. We have a van that can come to the East End, or any other spot to pick up supplies."
The Salvation Army headquarters is on Main Street, adjacent to the Enid Baa Public Library. Ferreras said Major Federico Craig, his wife, Major Doris Craig and other SA representatives are on the premises all day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including Saturdays. Supplies may also be dropped off at Ferreras' office at Corporate Place, Royal Dane Mall, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ferreras can be contacted at 774-5203.
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