The Salvation Army of North Texas handed out more than 100 backpacks filled with school supplies Wednesday. Families could register ahead of time and pick up the backpacks at Legacy Toyota in Dallas.
"It's definitely a blessing," one mom said as she picked a bag with her daughter.
The family said inflation may be slowing, but costs remain high, so they have a harder time planning for back-to-school expenses.
"We just try to pray about it and budget," her husband said.
"Families are struggling right now, and we feel it's very important for the child to have at least their basic items when they go the first week of school," says Salvation Army Major Lola Maldonado. "I think they would feel a little more confident than walking in empty-handed."
Maldonado says each family received a clear backpack with pencils, notebooks and other school supplies inside. She says the backpacks can make sure kids arrive at school ready to learn.
"I'm not here by force. I'm here because I really, really believe in what we do," she says. "It's a blessing. I have to tell you I feel very, very blessed being with the Salvation Army."
Toyota is funding the program, and each backpack included a $10 Walmart gift card. Maldonado says the gift card can help families pay for new clothes.
"I just can't imagine if you have three or four children," she says. "They're going to need tennis shoes, they're going to need clothing."
The Salvation Army says its partnership with Toyota and Walmart started last year. This year, the organization plans to hand out 16,900 backpacks across the country. More information about the Salvation Army and how to donate is available at https://salvationarmyntx.org/north-texas/.