The Estevan Salvation Army is continuing to operate at full capacity throughout the summer months, with several key programs underway or launching soon.
Applications for the backpack program, which provides school supplies to families in need, are now open. Community Ministries Director Ronza Reynard said families can stop by the office to apply.
“Folks can come down and fill out an application if they need assistance with school supplies,” she said.
While the program may not cover every item on a school supply list, Reynard said it can still make a meaningful difference.
“A lot of kids have the same backpack from previous years, and that’s great,” she said. “Some people just need supplies, and sometimes they need both. We’re always trying to help out, and this year we’re partnering with some other groups to see if we can expand the program.”
The expanded version is scheduled to launch on July 28.
Reynard said any low-income families needing help can simply stop by the Salvation Army office to apply. The backpack program typically supports between 80 and 120 children in the community each year.
Another summer highlight is the annual Bible camp, with campers set to leave in the coming weeks. While registration is now closed, Reynard said it remains an exciting time for participating families.
“It’s nice to celebrate that we have kids going to camp,” she said. “It’s a great time for kids to be away and just be kids. It’s a great time for moms, to be able to experience that with their kids.”
She added that camp programs also give parents time to rest, with other caregivers helping out. Registration for the next round of camp opportunities opens in April.
“There are a lot of camping opportunities with the Salvation Army, so people can check us out next April and come see what the options are,” Reynard said.
Preparations are also underway for the busier months ahead. Among the programs gearing up is Sally’s Lunch Box, which provides schools with a box of food items for students who may forget their lunch or need something extra.
Salvation Army programming varies between communities, depending on local needs and resources. While the Weyburn branch offers a student lunch program, Estevan has developed a monthly seniors’ lunch instead.
“The seniors’ lunch is twice a month, something Weyburn doesn’t do,” said Reynard. “Every first and third Wednesday from September to June, we do a seniors’ lunch program. That was something we saw in another community and thought, why not Estevan?”
The program began about three years ago and continues to draw a strong turnout.
“It runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” said Reynard. “It’s soup and a sandwich, some games, a devotional, and it’s a good time.”
Reynard noted that summer can also be a difficult time for families who rely on school-based meal programs. With children at home, more families are turning to the food bank for help.
“We’re getting a few more kids because, again, the kids are out of their school programming where there might be snacks and foods available to them,” she said. “A lot of families with children are coming and asking for that kind of stuff.”
She encouraged anyone in the community who is able to donate.
“If anybody has the ability to make a donation, whether monetary or by calling to see what we need in the food bank, that would be wonderful,” she said. “If they can pick it up and drop it off, that’d be wonderful.”