Back to school time! Radio and television ads, store displays -- everywhere you go, reminding us it’s back-to-school time. It is an exciting time for kids and parents, but for families who are living paycheck-to-paycheck, back-to-school can be stressful. The cost of school supplies adds up fast and then, suddenly you realize your child has grown out of their only pair of nice pants! To relieve this financial stress, Family Promise of Gallatin Valley, The Salvation Army, and Bozeman Public Schools, with our new sponsor NorthWestern Energy, are teaming up to help low-income families get ready for the school year with Tools for School.
 
But, we need your help to make sure all of our youth are ready for school this year. Red Tools for School donation bins have been placed at businesses around town, including: Albertson’s, Rosauers, Safeway, Town & Country Foods on North 19th, Staples (both Bozeman locations), TJ Maxx, and Kmart. Donations needed include: lined paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, spiral notebooks, agendas, and backpacks.
 
To donate supplies, drop them in any of the bins around town, or deliver them directly to The Salvation Army located at 32 S. Rouse, from 1:30 - 3:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Cash donations are also needed. Checks can be written to The Salvation Army. Indicate Tools for School in the memo line, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 1307, Bozeman, MT 59771.
 
Families in need of school supply assistance can sign up at The Salvation Army from 1:30 to 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday, beginning August 18, 2014. Families will be contacted when supplies are ready for pick-up.
 
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call Kara at 406/582-7388, Frank at 406/586-5813, or Anna at 406/522-6118.