Local Non-profits Serve Puyallup Community School-aged Children

PUYALLUP, WA - The Salvation Army Back-To-School Drive Distribution event, held on August 23, 2019, served more than just pastries and popcorn. In an effort to give back to the community through organizing and distributing school supplies, Captain Kyna Kelley, of the Salvation Army - Puyallup Valley Corps, and Darleen Sorensen, JustServe Specialist, from the South Hill Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, came together with other community volunteers, including members of the South Hill Stake Manorwood Ward, Lion’s Club volunteers, The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary group and The Salvation Army church members, to help local school-aged children in need.

Captain Kelley said, “I knew the whole event was worth it when at the end of the day a parent ran in the door hoping we still had something left. She was late due to traffic- traveling from work and was almost in tears as she thought maybe she had missed everything. When we handed her four backpacks and supplies she nearly broke down in gratitude as she explained how she barley makes rent each month.”

This family wasn’t the only one blessed by the goodness of the back to school drive. Through generous donations made by the Puyallup and Bonnie Lake communities, the Fred Meyer store, and Walmart’s Stuff the Bus drive, 146 children received free backpacks and school supplies, with an additional 53 backpacks sent to the Puyallup School District, for distribution.

“The opportunity to participate in this wonderful, charitable service event could be summarized in one word-Gratitude! Gratitude for those who organized, volunteered, and for the cherished memories of thankfulness verbally expressed and shown on the faces of the children and parents who benefited from it!”, says Darleen Sorensen.

There are hundreds of ways to participate in community service; even the smallest of efforts can bless, uplift, and strengthen the communities in which we live. We need only follow the example set by Captain Kelley, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other community volunteers, to have eyes that look up, hands that reach out, and hearts that are willing to love and serve one another.

If you are interested in serving the community, and finding local volunteer opportunities in your area, please visit JustServe.org.