Giving students the tools they need for school

Shopko and The Salvation Army are teaming up once again to help children in need. From now until Aug. 7, the annual Tools for School campaign will collect school supplies items donated by customers. After the campaign, the supplies will be distributed to local students by the Salvation Army until they are gone.

“Shopko is proud to partner with the Salvation Army once again on the Tools for School program,” said Shopko CEO Peter McMahon in a press release. “Through the Shopko Foundation, we support projects that help students succeed in school and become self-sufficient adults. It’s fundamental to their education that students have the supplies that they need to be ready to learn each day and that’s why the Tools for School project is so important.”

The supplies will go to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Each child will receive a pre-packaged bag of school supplies and every family is provided with one new backpack.

“This program helps children in the local community obtain the school supplies they will need to start the new school year,” said Nan Pahl, director of social services at the Salvation Army of Brown County in a press release. “It is so important that children from low income families can begin the school year with shiny new supplies, just like everyone else.”

The two organizations have worked together on the Tools for School program since 2005. More than 300 Shopko and Shopko Hometown locations are participating.

“The community’s generosity in making this happen is greatly appreciated,” Pahl said.

SportsPlus

Mower County

Council holds Truth in Taxation meeting, moves final levy and budget decision to Dec. 16 meeting

Mower County

New stop signs has city taking control of uncontrolled intersections

Mower County

Christmas concert featuring CommUNITY Choir, Austinaires to be held Tuesday

News

UnitedHealthcare CEO is fatally shot in a ‘targeted attack’ outside a New York hotel, officials say

Mower County

Suspect in criminal sexual conduct case in Grand Meadow has conditional release revoked

News

Minnesota budget update shows $1.1B less than prior forecast

Albert Lea

Freeborn Co. Fair releases 2025 grandstand line-up

News

My Town My Music release 2025 Rochester Thaw Music Festival Lineup

Education

LeRoy’s Izabella Allison named to the Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic

Blooming Prairie

Education Briefs: Blooming Prairie A Honor Roll

News

History museum teaches appreciation for buildings, design through gingerbread

Mower County

Long awaited renovation/expansion project announced for Paramount Theatre

Mower County

City council puts pause on cannabis ordinance

Mower County

Holiday fun in works for Merry & Bright Night

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

None injured in Thanksgiving night house fire

Mower County

Austin man with history of drug convictions gets 67 months in prison for latest charge

News

Biden’s broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy

Mower County

Austin Area Foundation announces community funded grants to a record 22 local nonprofit organizations

Mower County

Photos: Holiday revelers face the cold for Hometown Christmas

Albert Lea

Albert Lea theater to present ‘White Christmas’

Mower County

Nativity display open for another year

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Nov. 18-25