While the first day of school is over six weeks away, for some, there is already the stress of figuring out how to ensure their children will have all the supplies they will need in the classroom. This is something the Weyburn Salvation Army understands, and with the help of a community sponsor, will be looking to do their best to ensure those who need the tools to succeed in the classroom will have them.  

The Salvation Army is bringing back its school program, although it will have a very different look than it has had in the past, explained Nicole Strickland. She is the Community Ministries Coordinator for the Salvation Army here in Weyburn.  

“This year, we are ordering through the School Start Program, which is a little different than we’ve done in the past,” Strickland said. “We still have our same sponsor, Bree (Patterson) from Royal LePage.”  

Those who are looking to take part in the program this year need to get in touch with the Weyburn Salvation Army, so an appointment can be made. All they ask is for parents to go through the supplies they may have at home, and make up a list that can be used to get an order ready.  

Strickland made sure to point out that the program really is only possible thanks to the sponsor, who in past years has gone as far as purchasing all the supplies and packing backpacks for the kids herself.  

“It’s amazing,” Strickland said of Patterson. “She’s been doing it for a few years now, and she covers all the costs, and without her it would be us, out there again looking for sponsorships and everything.” 

The deadline to get an application into the Weyburn Salvation Army is August 1st. Those who want to apply can call their offices at (306) 842-2280.