Salvation Army back-to-school events around Portland metro this weekend come ‘full circle’

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The Salvation Army kicked off a series of back-to-school events for struggling families being held in the Portland metro area this weekend with an event in Clackamas County.

Volunteers and recipients told KOIN 6 News how meaningful events like this are when unexpected setbacks have parents seeking help so their kids can reach for the stars.

The organization is giving out backpacks, school supplies and hope to families at multiple events this weekend. It all kicked off with an event held at 8495 SE Monterey Ave. in Happy Valley on Friday evening.

Zoe Niblack, a volunteer face-painter at Friday’s event, told KOIN 6 News she’s a former student who has a personal connection to these events.

“I was involved in a lot of programs when I was a kid, like I came to the block parties to get school supplies as well, so it’s cool to kind of giving back, it kind of comes full circle,” said Niblack, adding she’s “so thankful” to have been helped as a child when her family was in need.

Mark and Melissa Mowery know what it means to struggle to make ends meet as they raise their soon-to-be-third-grader.

“It’s something we’ve never had to do so this is a very new thing,” Melissa told KOIN 6 News.

The Mowerys said someone T-boned Melissa at 75 miles per hour in a crash back in January. She got three ribs shattered, a concussion and now suffers migraines.

As a result, the family has lost about 25% of their income.

“We’re here to get some help because she used to drive Uber for 10 years and the doctors won’t let her drive,” Mark said.

Katie Nolan, another volunteer of 25 years, said she’s moved by the level of need for families like the Mowerys.

“To have organizations and opportunities like this is just like the moon…the best, it’s the best,” said Nolan, who organized coats, backpacks and supplies to give out to kids.

“Amazing that people go out of their way to help people and no questions asked,” Melissa said.

Below are the dates, times and locations of other Salvation Army back to school events being held this weekend around the Portland metro area:

• Saturday, Aug. 24, Washington County HOPE Center BBQ, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Sunday, Aug. 25, Gresham Corps & Community Center, 11 a.m.

People can also donate school supplies for the Salvation Army at area Fred Meyer stores via collection boxes near the Customer Service Center.

More information, including ways to donate, can be found on the Portland Salvation Army’s website .

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