Local kids experiencing homelessness in need of back to school backpacks, clothes

Aug 11, 2020, 7:09 AM | Updated: 10:17 am

The Road Home is looking for backpacks and back to school clothes for 200 kids in their local family homeless shelter. (Photo: The Road Home Twitter page.)

(Photo: The Road Home Twitter page.)

BY KELLI PIERCE

Former Producer/Reporter

MIDVALE, Utah – Going back to school can be tough for many kids, and can be even tougher for children experiencing homelessness.

That’s why The Road Home is asking the public for donations of backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes for the 200 kids living in their family shelter in Midvale through their annual Apple Tree program.

Road Home communications specialist Alicia Gleed says these simple things can make kids experiencing homelessness feel more normal during the back to school season.

Help the Apple Tree program provide needed clothing & supplies for more than 200 children staying at the Midvale Family Center. We’ve got several options: donate on Venmo @roadhomeappletree, PayPal, Amazon Wish List, or at a participating Utah Eye Center. https://t.co/OesgymrxeB pic.twitter.com/1JgAnU8hLE

— The Road Home (@TheRoadHomeUT) August 1, 2020

“Being able to have that new back to school outfit like every other kid or that new backpack, really does kind of arm those kids with that confidence to walk back into school and be successful,” Gleed says.

Gleed also remembers one little girl who got excited when she got new clothes and underwear last year.

“She felt confident because she had those new outfits, but [the underwear] is what she was excited about. I think that when we think about the meaning of all of this, we can’t provide that joy without the help of the community,” Gleed says.

Donations are being accepted through August 13th.

However, because of COVID-19, The Road Home is also giving people the option to donate money or buy something off their Amazon Wish List.

People who want to donate can go to The Road Home Apple Tree website.

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