Photo: Jeromey Russ/WBZ NewsRadio
WALTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Volunteers with the Salvation Army in Waltham braved one of the hotter days of the summer to help families in need Monday.
"Somehow it feels like a cool breeze is blowing over my soul today," Salvation Army Captain Justin Barter told WBZ NewsRadio.
The Army held a donation event at the Waltham Corps Community Center on Myrtle Street, handing out 850 backpacks filled with school supplies to those who need them for the upcoming academic year.
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"Being able to see all these people come, both the volunteers who are here helping us serve the community and the local organizations who are really helping to make this event special, and then seeing all the faces of the people who are lined up ready to be served, is just such a blessing," Barter said. "Being able to know that they’re gonna leave here with something that’s going to get their family ready for the future."
1 of 2 Photo: Jeromey Russ/WBZ NewsRadio
2 of 2 Photo: Jeromey Russ/WBZ NewsRadio
"The most important thing is that they’re ready to go to school," said Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, who was on hand for the event.
April, a mother of twins who are entering the second grade, was one of the people in line for supplies.
"It just helps," said April. "I have three kids going into school, so it’s pretty important to […] provide everything for the twins here."
The Salvation Army is holding a larger back-to-school event at TD Garden on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Families will need to register beforehand.
WBZ's Jeromey Russ reports.