‘Your Wallet’: Lincoln non-profits provide much-needed school supplies for families
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) –Even with the inflation rate falling, parents and guardians are still financially strapped when it comes to school supplies as we get closer to the first day of classes.
“When you get closer to school, things get a little tougher,” said KB Mensah.
That’s why Mensah and his non-profit, Visionary Youth, are doing what they can to give back. Visionary Youth’s “Back-to-School” event on Aug. 13th has become a staple in the community for more than a decade now.
More than 2,500 families showed up last year. Kids will be able to get a free haircut, a backpack and some clothes.
“A lot of kids want to feel confident and look good when they go back to school,” Mensah said.
Kids will also be able to get a free meal from several vendors at the College of Hair Design. Mensah says there will be enough for seconds and thirds that day. Because when kids have the food and resources available, Mensah knows the sky is the limit for them.
“These are some amazing kids,” Mensah said. “Some amazing young people who just need a little more guidance and connections to lead them in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army of Lincoln has been holding a back-to-school drive for several weeks now, and is still collecting supplies until Aug. 3rd.
“Finances are tight all around,” said Capt. Kelsie Moreno, the commander officer at the non-profit’s Lincoln location. “You know it’s not easy to make those dollars stretch in today’s economy.”
Moreno says the Salvation Army still needs backpacks to give to families who signed up for aid.
“We love being able to help in any way that we can,” Moreno said. “Just to know that kids dare going to have what they need on that first day of school. They’re going to have that backpack. They’re going to have some of those supplies at home to do their homework.”
The Salvation Army is also accepting donations for its food pantry right now. It receives supplies from the Food Bank of Lincoln on a regular basis, but any little bit helps. Right now, Moreno says they’re seeing sometimes 40 families a day use it.
“They need to feed their families,” Moreno said. “We’re always grateful for any donations we can because it goes right back to your neighbors in need.”
Classes begin on Aug. 14 for Lincoln Public Schools. Several more Lincoln non-profits are helping out with back-to-school supplies. Here are links to their websites:
