Collection barrels at Fred Meyer stores

A new school year can be a heavy financial burden for families who cannot afford all the required school supplies. To ease this burden, the Salvation Army has placed barrels at Fred Meyer stories throughout the city.

The program runs through Monday.

Donate backpacks, binders, calculators, computer discs, markers, pencils, pens or other school supplies at the Fred Meyer stores at 525 E. Francis Ave., 400 S. Thor St., 12120 N. Division St. or 15609 E. Sprague Ave. or at the Salvation Army office, 222 E. Indiana Ave.

The Salvation Army can assist families through Sally’s House, a 24-hour emergency foster care facility for children ages 2 to 12. Sally’s House equips 8 to 12 foster children per month throughout the year with school supplies.

Assistance is also provided to SAFE Center, a facility that currently provides food, shelter and basic necessities to 15 homeless families and Family Services.

Last year Family Services helped 60 to 70 families with back-to-school needs until the agency ran out of supplies.

For more information, call 325-6810.