News
Salvation Army’s ‘Tools for School’ Campaign Returns to Fort Wayne Amid Soaring Need
<p data-start="308" data-end="445">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.</p>
<h3 data-start="447" data-end="495">More Than Just Supplies — It’s About Dignity</h3>
<p data-start="497" data-end="699">The Salvation Army launched its 2025 &#8220;Tools for School&#8221; 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.</p>
<p data-start="701" data-end="759">For many families in Fort Wayne, this is survival support.</p>
<p data-start="761" data-end="926">“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.”</p>
<p data-start="928" data-end="1081">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.</p>
<p data-start="1083" data-end="1188">He says that’s where the campaign steps in. And quietly, without much noise, it makes all the difference.</p>
<p data-start="1083" data-end="1188"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13239" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Salvation-Armys-‘Tools-for-School-Campaign-Returns.jpg" alt="Salvation Army’s ‘Tools for School’ Campaign Returns " width="801" height="457" /></p>
<h3 data-start="1190" data-end="1227">Growing Demand, Shrinking Margins</h3>
<p data-start="1229" data-end="1266">This summer, the pressure’s building.</p>
<p data-start="1268" data-end="1330">Smith didn’t sugarcoat it: “Times are kind of hard right now.”</p>
<p data-start="1332" data-end="1590">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.</p>
<p data-start="1592" data-end="1783">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.</p>
<p data-start="1785" data-end="1875">Families are stretched, and donations have flattened too. It&#8217;s a tight squeeze all around.</p>
<h3 data-start="1877" data-end="1919">Here’s What They Really Need This Year</h3>
<p data-start="1921" data-end="2098">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.</p>
<p data-start="2100" data-end="2112">Also needed:</p>
<ul data-start="2114" data-end="2255">
<li data-start="2114" data-end="2152">
<p data-start="2116" data-end="2152">Pencils and pens (black or blue ink)</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2153" data-end="2175">
<p data-start="2155" data-end="2175">Folders with pockets</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2176" data-end="2210">
<p data-start="2178" data-end="2210">Spiral and composition notebooks</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2211" data-end="2227">
<p data-start="2213" data-end="2227">1-inch binders</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2228" data-end="2255">
<p data-start="2230" data-end="2255">Packs of loose-leaf paper</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="2257" data-end="2406">“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.</p>
<p data-start="2408" data-end="2462">One sentence. That’s all it takes to feel the urgency.</p>
<p data-start="2464" data-end="2641">The Salvation Army even created Amazon and Walmart registries, making it easier for donors to buy and ship directly to where it&#8217;s needed. No guesswork, no logistics — just help.</p>
<h3 data-start="2643" data-end="2668">Where and How to Give</h3>
<p data-start="2670" data-end="2824">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:</p>
<div class="_tableContainer_16hzy_1">
<div class="_tableWrapper_16hzy_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse" tabindex="-1">
<table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="2826" data-end="3219">
<thead data-start="2826" data-end="2848">
<tr data-start="2826" data-end="2848">
<th data-start="2826" data-end="2837" data-col-size="sm">Location</th>
<th data-start="2837" data-end="2848" data-col-size="sm">Address</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-start="2872" data-end="3219">
<tr data-start="2872" data-end="2911">
<td data-start="2872" data-end="2889" data-col-size="sm">Salvation Army</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2889" data-end="2911">2901 N Clinton St.</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="2912" data-end="2950">
<td data-start="2912" data-end="2931" data-col-size="sm">Citizen’s Square</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2931" data-end="2950">200 E Berry St.</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="2951" data-end="2992">
<td data-start="2951" data-end="2981" data-col-size="sm">All Fort Financial branches</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2981" data-end="2992">Various</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="2993" data-end="3045">
<td data-start="2993" data-end="3034" data-col-size="sm">All ProTailored Physical Therapy sites</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3034" data-end="3045">Various</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="3046" data-end="3084">
<td data-start="3046" data-end="3063" data-col-size="sm">Ruoff Mortgage</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3063" data-end="3084">1670 Magnavox Way</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="3085" data-end="3117">
<td data-start="3085" data-end="3098" data-col-size="sm">Sweetwater</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3098" data-end="3117">5501 US-30 West</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="3118" data-end="3164">
<td data-start="3118" data-end="3150" data-col-size="sm">All Walgreens in Allen County</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3150" data-end="3164">Countywide</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="3165" data-end="3219">
<td data-start="3165" data-end="3205" data-col-size="sm">All Walmart locations in Allen County</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3205" data-end="3219">Countywide</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="sticky end-(--thread-content-margin) h-0 self-end select-none">
<div class="absolute end-0 flex items-end"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p data-start="3221" data-end="3315">Smith noted, “People don’t need to give big. Even a single notebook matters. Every bit helps.”</p>
<h3 data-start="3317" data-end="3356">For Some, This Campaign Is Personal</h3>
<p data-start="3358" data-end="3469">Beyond the bins and spreadsheets, there are real stories — people who once received help now paying it forward.</p>
<p data-start="3471" data-end="3678">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.</p>
<p data-start="3680" data-end="3859">“I remember walking in there feeling ashamed,” she said. “And the volunteers were just&#8230; kind. They didn’t treat me like I was failing. They just handed me the stuff and smiled.”</p>
<p data-start="3861" data-end="3881">That kindness stuck.</p>
<p data-start="3883" data-end="3953">“Now every time I drop a backpack in the bin, I think about that day.”</p>