Back 2 School adapts to continue helping families in need

It will be an unusual school year in 2020, but support for families in need will not stop.

Last year, the Coulee Region’s Back 2 School campaign helped more than 1,000 students receive supplies they need. Although La Crosse students will start back online, Salvation Army Development Director Christina Knudson said they are trying to maintain normalcy.

“They still need markers and notebooks, and pencils and crayons,” Knudson said. “They say the costs are going up because now you have the internet and headphones for the laptops and iPads. That’s why our Back 2 School efforts for supplies and monetary donations are still going.”

Knudson said the number of families in need could be greater in 2020 with increased unemployment in the pandemic.

There are some changes this year. Families can still apply for school supplies. Those applications are accepted until Aug. 8. There will not be events for pick-up at the Boys and Girls Club locations or La Crosse Center. Organizers are working with the La Crosse School District to create a distribution plan.

For those who wish to donate, there is a gofundme and an online page for monetary donations. Backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at the Catholic Charities downtown office (413 3rd Street South) Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“There are so many different ways you can help,” Knudson said. “Our community is so giving, and we appreciate any help for our families here locally.”

Knudson added Walmart is partnering with an online registry that can ship school supplies to the Salvation Army. Walmart is also hosting a Stuff the Bus event Aug. 7-9.