By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The line of students and their parents was relatively quiet as it approached the entrance to the Salvation Army facility in Glendale on Monday afternoon. Of course there was an excitement, too, as to what these back-to-school shoppers would find waiting for them behind the doors of the Salvation Army.

They were in line for the Salvation Army – Kiwanis Club Back-to-School Shopping Bash, an annual event that provides supplies and clothes for students whose families might need a boost in getting their students ready for the new school year. Backpacks, folders, papers, clothes and other supplies were laid out on tables inside the facility’s gym. In groups of 10, the shoppers made their way inside where they chose the items that would prepare them for back to school, which in Glendale took place yesterday, Wednesday. Kiwanis Club members were at the tables, ready to answer questions or help with loading up the items.

Toni Beck-Espinoza is president of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale and was on hand to greet shoppers. The Kiwanis Club has partnered with the Salvation Army for over 10 years in hosting the bash, an event that she said benefits not only the students but the Club members, too.

“The Kiwanis Club of Glendale team of volunteers gets to share in the excitement of the kids getting ready for the first day of school,” said Beck-Espinoza. “The Kiwanians see an increased sense of pride and self-esteem in the kids as they prepare for a new year of learning and know they have some of the items they need to help them succeed.”

The items were purchased by the Salvation Army, in part with $2,000 donated by the Kiwanis. Generous discounts were given by supply providers Dollar Days, Staples and JC Penney. The children selected for the bash were part of the Salvation Army’s after-school program, ZONE. Once the ZONE kids went through and received their items, doors were open to other families.

In the early years, there were about 15 recipients; this year an estimated 120 came through the Salvation Army.

The outreach effort is just one of several that the Salvation Army hosts.

“There is a great need in our community,” said Salvation Army Lt. Jennifer Shiflett. “We see hunger, homelessness. But here there is acceptance and love.”

In addition to the shopping bash and ZONE program, the Salvation Army offers a People’s Choice Market. Those who meet certain qualification are invited to shop for food stocked on the shelves of the Salvation Army.

Shiflett said that volunteers are needed for the programs that the Salvation Army offers.

“We are always in need of help,” she said adding that the facility also offers transitional housing “but it always seems to be full.”

After choosing their shopping bash items, students and families were invited to the back of the facility to enjoy a bounce house, get something to eat and learn more about the Salvation Army.

“I love this. It’s very satisfying,” said Shiflett. “But it’s hard work. I wish we could help everyone we see. We meet the needs as best we can.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the Salvation Army in Glendale can call (818) 246-5586. Those who want to learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Glendale can call (818) 957-7765 or stop by for lunch. Weekday lunches are held Friday afternoons at noon at the Elks Lodge, 120 E. Colorado St. The cost is $15, which includes lunch and a program featuring a guest speaker.

  robin goldsworthy