Salvation Army “Back to School” fair to return Thursday

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Salvation Army is getting local students ready for the new school year with its annual Back to School Fair on Thursday.

Blue Earth County and North Mankato students K-12 can go to the Salvation Army to receive new shoes and a backpack, as well as connect to resources from other local organizations.

Families must bring a state issued ID and proof of Government Assistance.

The Back to School Fair has become an annual tradition for the Salvation Army, who says that their goal is to ease some of the stress that comes along with starting a new school year.

“Backpacks and sneakers are the two biggest ticket items that kids need to go back to school. We want kids to be excited about going back to school, be proud of their new backpack, be proud of their new sneakers and have somebody ask if they’re fast,“ explained Leslie Johnson with the Salvation Army.

The fair will be at the Salvation Army’ headquarters on Riverfront Drive in Mankato from 11 to 2 on Thursday.

Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app.