As back-to-school season looms, a familiar campaign with a big heart is back in action — and this year, the need feels heavier than ever.

More Than Just Supplies — It’s About Dignity

The Salvation Army launched its 2025 “Tools for School” campaign on Monday, continuing a 21-year tradition of helping families gear up for the academic year. But this isn’t just about pencils and paper.

For many families in Fort Wayne, this is survival support.

“There are parents out there choosing between groceries and notebooks,” said Timothy Smith, director of social services for the Salvation Army. “That’s the reality.”

Smith sees it daily — moms and dads working full time, doing everything right, but still falling short once August creeps up and school lists get longer.

He says that’s where the campaign steps in. And quietly, without much noise, it makes all the difference.

Growing Demand, Shrinking Margins

This summer, the pressure’s building.

Smith didn’t sugarcoat it: “Times are kind of hard right now.”

He’s right. Inflation’s cooled on paper, but for working-class families, everyday costs haven’t budged much. Rent, fuel, groceries — they’re all still high. And then comes back-to-school shopping, a financial curveball for anyone already skating on thin ice.

A basic set of school supplies — just the basics — can easily cost $100 per child. Multiply that by two or three kids? You’re looking at hundreds of dollars before the school bell even rings.

Families are stretched, and donations have flattened too. It’s a tight squeeze all around.

Here’s What They Really Need This Year

Smith didn’t hesitate when asked which items are most critical right now. Backpacks top the list — sturdy ones that can carry heavy books and survive a year of school bus rides.

Also needed:

• Pencils and pens (black or blue ink)

• Folders with pockets

• Spiral and composition notebooks

• 1-inch binders

• Packs of loose-leaf paper

“It’s not just about grabbing a random notebook. There are specific supplies every grade level needs, and we try to match those exactly,” said Smith.

One sentence. That’s all it takes to feel the urgency.

The Salvation Army even created Amazon and Walmart registries, making it easier for donors to buy and ship directly to where it’s needed. No guesswork, no logistics — just help.

Where and How to Give

Collection bins are already out across Allen County. From downtown to the west side, chances are there’s a drop-off point near you. Here’s a quick glance:

Smith noted, “People don’t need to give big. Even a single notebook matters. Every bit helps.”

For Some, This Campaign Is Personal

Beyond the bins and spreadsheets, there are real stories — people who once received help now paying it forward.

Take Amanda (last name withheld), a single mother who used the Tools for School program back in 2017 when her daughter was starting kindergarten. Today, she works full-time and donates supplies every summer.

“I remember walking in there feeling ashamed,” she said. “And the volunteers were just… kind. They didn’t treat me like I was failing. They just handed me the stuff and smiled.”

That kindness stuck.

“Now every time I drop a backpack in the bin, I think about that day.”