Register for Back-to-School Celebration at Kroc Center

The City of Boston has teamed up with Garden Neighborhood Charities and The Salvation Army to ensure that school children in need are prepared and excited to return to school. Later this month, up to 3,500 children ages 5-17 are expected to attend a family-friendly event at TD Garden and receive a backpack with school supplies that many families struggle to afford for their children.

Major Ivan Rock, who oversees Salvation Army activities in Boston, says of the event, “We just want to make sure that every child in Boston has a great start to their school year. That’s why we’ve gotten together with fantastic partners at the City and Garden Neighborhood Charities to create a memorable, fun, informative celebration and to provide much-needed school supplies.”

The Boston Back-to-School Celebration will include activities for parents and children getting ready for the annual ritual of returning to school after summer vacation. Boston residents aged 5-17 will receive a backpack of school supplies and parents will access education information and support to kick off a successful school year. Everyone will have family-friendly fun with great exhibit booths and activities on the floor of TD Garden.

Special All Access Passes will grant students the opportunity to shoot on the Garden hoops or take a slapshot at an NHL net; take pictures with the Celtics and Bruins banners; play an interactive escape game with Boston firefighters; get a healthy snack; visit fun interactive booths like New England Aquarium’s traveling tidepool, and get their thinking caps back on just in time for school. The children of Boston will receive support and encouragement as they head back to school and a great memory as well!

In order to ensure that adequate supplies of backpacks are available for students, The Salvation Army is asking Boston residents in need to pre-register for the event. Registration will be held at The Salvation Army Kroc Community Center at 650 Dudley Street in Dorchester on Tuesday, August 7 from 9:30-3:30 and Thursday, August 9 from 1:30-6:30.

Registration will continue while supplies last. Parents wishing to register need to bring the following: A valid government issued picture ID (license, passport, etc); a birth certificate or school record of each child, age 5-17, in your household; and a current utility bill for proof of address (must reside in Boston to participate).

All of the registration details including locations and times can be found at www.salvationarmyma.org/backtoschool.

About The Salvation Army
Whether it is shelter for a displaced family or a warm cup of coffee for our brave first responders – hope and healing is the message of The Salvation Army. Since 1865, The Salvation Army has been providing social and spiritual services to communities throughout the world. People given purpose, hearts given hope and souls finding redemption – this has been our mission for more than a century.

With heart to God and hand to man, The Salvation Army – an international movement – is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

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