Salvation Army Provides Shoes, Clothes to School Children
Nicole Krajcer, of Kittaning, went back-to-school shoe shopping with her three children – eight-year-old Bella, five-year-old Nathan and four-year-old Brooke - Tuesday evening - all with the Kittanning Salvation Army picking up the bill.
by Jonathan Weaver
While many parents are going back to school shopping with their own children, so is the Kittanning Salvation Army.
Beginning Monday evening, Salvation Army Lieutenant Amber Imhoff, Woman’s Auxiliary members and other volunteers went on a shopping spree with local children at WalMart and Famous Footwear in Hilltop Plaza.
“We did 32 kids for clothes (Monday) night at WalMart and then 70 kids (Tuesday) night for shoes,” Lieutenant Amber said. “It’s been a busy back to school season.”
Lieutenant Amber explained that those who benefited from the clothing trip were not the same ones who attended Famous Footwear last night. She said families are selected based on recommendations from caseworkers or results from a back-to-school survey form.
“On the form, one of the questions is ‘What is the biggest need your family has right now?’ We go through all of those and pick kids from that,” Lieutenant Amber said.
She said the biggest challenge was selecting which children attended the shopping trips.
It was the second-annual shoe shopping trip in Kittanning and a total of more than $2,500 was spent.
Nicole Krajcer, of Kittaning, went shopping with her three children – eight-year-old Bella, five-year-old Nathan and four-year-old Brooke – Tuesday, and they all had difficult shoe decisions to make – between colors, styles and characters.
For example, four-year-old Brooke had a tough time deciding between blue and pink Velcro shoes– before choosing a pair of blue shoes with Disney’s “Elsa” from the animated movie “Frozen” on the side.
Krajcer was surprised by the donation.
“I didn’t even know they were doing it – my mom’s friend told us about it,” Krajcer said.
Bella – who chose a black pair of shoes with pink laces - wrote Lieutenant Amber a thank-you note before the evening ended.
Tracy Stull, of Kittanning, hopes the shoes her two daughters – 16-year-old Stephanie and 12-year-old McKinzie – picked out last night last them the entire school year.
Stephanie will be a 10th grader at at Armstrong Junior/Senior High School in Manor Township while McKinzie finishes up as a sixth grader at West Hills Intermediate in East Franklin Township.
Stull was notified about the last week after her daughters attended the Back 2 School Bash in Ford City Park.
“It means a lot to my family because we’re not as well off as other people – it does help a lot,” Stull said.
A mother of two daughters of her own, Susan Clawson of Kittanning just joined the Salvation Army Woman’s Auxiliary in February, but was happy to volunteer sizing kids feet Tuesday.
“I drop off food for (West Glade Run Presbyterian Church) every month so that’s how I got acquainted with the Salvation Army – we take in cereal, soup, whatever (Lieutenant Amber) needs - , and then I was invited to a coffee meet-and-greet (where) I found out they do a lot for the kids in the community,” Clawson said. “I was very impressed the Salvation Army has activities almost every night of the week.
“I thought, ‘this is what I want to do to give back to the community.’”
Clawson also helped out before the Back 2 School Bash, asking local residents to donate school supplies for the donated backpacks to Pre-K through 12th grade students.
It was also the first time Sharon Crissman, of Worthington, volunteered to help – and she even brought her own assistants – granddaughters Madison and Elise Gahagan.
Both students went back to class at Manheim Central Middle School in Lancaster County Monday, but are visiting Crissman until Sunday.
“I signed up to help with the clothing (Monday night), so they were home so I took them with me (to help) teach gratitude,” Crissman said. “And, they really enjoyed it. They had a good time.”
Five-year-old Haylie Simmons, of Ford City, also helped her mother, Angel register students at the front desk. Haylie will be entering Lenape Elementary School.
Angel was one of five employees from NexTier Bank volunteering. They said students looked for “light-up shoes” the most.
People lined up at the Famous Footwear front register just a few minutes after 6PM and the store about empty an hour later.
“It goes pretty quick,” Lieutenant Amber said. “It’s a win-win, because we’re a small community and some of our stores aren’t used to getting that many sales all at once, but at the same time, the kids get to pick something they actually like to wear. They can go back in style (and) it’s a proven fact that if kids don’t have shoes that fit their feet right, they can’t focus on school.
It’s a good way to get them started – and we (offer) more kids shoes than we do clothes because, at the beginning of school, kids can still go back to school in shorts. They can’t go back to school without shoes on their feet.”
Each student - preschool through 12th grade - was allowed up to generally a $70 pair of shoes
Earlier this month, more than 500 children received backpacks before school starts and dozens of Lenape Tech students received.
Heather Johnston awaits at the front register last night as Famous Footwear Assistant Manager Kris Claypoole bags shoes for her three children – six-year-old Natalie and three-year-olds Mykala and Ray. Mykala was particularly excited to wear her “twinkle shoes.”
Local News | jweaver August 26, 2015
By Just sayin, August 26, 2015 @ 1:07 PM
Please KP, no pictures and identifying quotes anymore in this situation. That is SO insensitive, and it’s humiliating for the parents and children.
You should have quoted anonymously.
Does their classmates need to know that they got their shoes and clothes from Salvation Army?
Now a lot of readers and fellow classmates know their financial situations. That is NOT fair.
It’s a great service, though, but not great reporting. Not this time.
By Just sayin, August 27, 2015 @ 9:45 PM
I noticed the news stations do this, too (i.e Project Bundle UP).
Some people can’t help that they are poor or they are single parents. Anyone that makes minimum wage to $10 an hour does not have the extra money for these items.
But the media should not show the whole world who are getting “handouts.” They can show the volunteers (or whomever) and show the items. They can discuss or write about individuals without disclosing names and showing faces of the receivers.
Think of the kids, at LEAST!
By RoadRocket, August 28, 2015 @ 8:04 AM
I was curious if its a state mandate to have tattoos in order to receive assistance. Can’t afford shoes but can afford a new tat. People need to get their priorities in order!
By futureconcerned, August 28, 2015 @ 9:27 AM
I’ve been near Jonathon at many events. He is always very polite and asks permission to quote you if you are not making a public statement such as commenting at a school board meeting. I have to assume that he received permission from the parents since he named the people in the pictures. I would not be surprised if the children were excited to have their picture in the newspaper. If I’m wrong, I’m sure Admin will correct me.
By north end guy, August 28, 2015 @ 9:35 AM
Road Rocket Did anyone ever tell you you are a insensitive person? I wonder if you would feel the same if that was your daughter? You don’t know her circumstances.Maybe she got her “tat” when she was working.
And the K.P. should have more sense putting names and pictures in there rag.I thought it was run by Christians.
By Just sayin, August 28, 2015 @ 10:15 AM
Oh, I DO SO AGREE, RoadRocket! Good observation!
But, in all fairness, you don’t know if someone bought these “tats” as a gift or got them when they were younger (before children). “Tats” ARE forever.
We’re not just referring to people on assistance here. Many have low-paying jobs. That IS a VERY DIFFICULT STRUGGLE!
By admin, August 29, 2015 @ 6:23 PM
Each photo, names, and information was used by permission of the person in the photo.
And North End Guy - Christianity has EVERYTHING to do with what the Salvation Army does for the community. We certainly support their endeavors. Poverty is not a crime. But thankfulness is a virtue that these folk obviously have for the gifts given to them.
By scott_starr, August 29, 2015 @ 8:11 PM
Wow, a nice story gets dissed for no good reason.
Here’s the deal, why don’t YOU complainers take these folks SHOPPING if you are so worried about them being quoted or pictured in a paper?
By Just sayin, August 29, 2015 @ 8:19 PM
Of course you had their permission.
You can say, for example, “One parent commented that…”
“The children were very excited about getting to choose new pairs of shoes.” You can get into descriptive detail about the joy on their faces, etc.
The rest can be left up to our imaginations.
It’s sensitivity and empathetic issues on the reporter’s/photographer’s part. That’s all.
You can get the human interest value and message out without asking people to expose their private lives.
The children don’t know any better. They might possibly be teased at school, though.
As I wrote, it IS a great service. God, bless the Salvation Army.
By RoadRocket, August 30, 2015 @ 12:10 PM
North End Guy, I call it like I see it. If you don’t think I am right just go to kittanning wal-mart or shop n save on the first thursday of the month.
By Just sayin, August 30, 2015 @ 9:41 PM
RoadRocket: That’s really not the issue here.
The issue is a medium possibly making it easy for bullies to tease the children and for adult(?) bullies condemning the parents who are in need (kind of what you are doing concerning low-income people). TV news stations do it, too.
Hopefully parents are NOT getting “tats” if they are on assistance (for the children’s sakes).
But like I said, most likely they had them already or they were bought as gifts.
Some people on assistance are mentally ill, physically challenged, or mentally challenged.
Some single parents get help because they simply can’t provide for their children the way a 2-income family can.
Don’t generalize people.
ALL people need to eat, to have shelter, and to have clothing.
Jesus’ mommy is the only one who can throw stones.
Put your stones down, Rocko.
It isn’t a SIN to be poor.
By RoadRocket, August 31, 2015 @ 9:50 AM
My point is peoples priorities and this is a perfect example. I see it on a daily bases. People with access cards but they still got excess to buy smart phones (top pic), cigarettes, and tattoos (bottom pic).
By Just sayin, August 31, 2015 @ 11:11 PM
RoadRocket: Smart Phones could be bought by relatives to help out. You can’t assume. That’s not fair. Also, some low-income people get their phones from the government so that they are capable of calling in case of emergencies.
Many low-income parents don’t have TVs and a PC at home. They get these phones so that they have some outside contact with the world.
I’ve seen families do this. All they can do is let their kids watch videos on a VCR. Comcast is ridiculous.
What IS wrong is when people are so addicted to their cell phones, video games, etc., that they don’t pay attention to their kids and deny them some sort of physical activity (rich or poor).
By RoadRocket, September 1, 2015 @ 7:14 AM
JustSaying; Next time you travel past low income housing take your head outta your backside and look at all the satellite dishes. There are so many they are almost overlapping. I guess you are going to “assume” they are not hooked up to a tv because a relative did’nt send enough $ to cover a big screen yet.
By Just sayin, September 1, 2015 @ 9:45 AM
Satellite dishes never go away.
The people who rented BEFORE them could have had satellite dishes.
DON’T assume!
I don’t assume, RoadRocket. And I don’t generalize. And I don’t have my head in my butt. How nice. You just proved how ignorant you are.
If TV and cell phones are the only form of entertainment SOME poor people are allowed to have, so be it. MOST can’t afford to go to a Pirate game, enjoy dinner out, go to a movie, go on a trip, etc., etc., etc.
What do you want them to live like? The lower castes of India? The Untouchables?
Being poor is not a sin.
By fotrabla, September 1, 2015 @ 12:52 PM
@ RoadRocket - I get the general idea of what your saying, your just saying it all wrong. Yep, I have driven past some low-income housing places, 1 in particular has a brand new Dodge Charger parked in the lot every night, but you don’t know the situation. Just because someone with tattoos is using an access card doesn’t mean they are a deadbeat working the system. With the price of food and rent and bills these days, even those working 40hrs a week at more than minimum wage sometimes need a helping hand. Yes, there are those who work the system, but there are tons of rich people working the system too when the tax man comes to call. Don’t judge people without knowing their situation.
By jorn jensen, September 1, 2015 @ 1:35 PM
It’s a lifestyle Just sayin, it’s a lifestyle.
I pay $200/month so I can have a cell phone for emergencies, so I should pay for someone else to have a free one?
“That’s not fair.” Fair is a place where they have Ferris wheels, bumper cars and cotton candy.
“some outside contact with the world.” Walk outside and have that contact.
You are a bleeding heart liberal moron.
By suzkin33, September 1, 2015 @ 1:55 PM
I agree that the photos and quotes were not needed to fill the pages. With the economy in the state that it is and many people being lucky just to keep the utilities on, should there even be a shame associated with accepting such a generous gift from the Salvation Army? I will say that yes, kids can be cruel in school, so you might not want your picture or name mentioned, but if you looked at the rosters in ASD, I imagine more kids than you would believe would qualify for this. I’m just grateful to know these programs exist. Lots of friends and family have had their own hard knocks lately. Some people lost their main source of income, but were lucky enough to find a job that didn’t come close to paying what they used to make. There are all kinds of scenarios, but the bottom line is, we are all affected or know someone in some form or another who is going through tough times. Sensitivity is welcome.
By RoadRocket, September 2, 2015 @ 8:45 AM
Just Saying; I was taught to work hard for the things I want out of life. That a long time ago was the American way. Not anymore. Too many people feel entitled and always want a hand out. Ignorance is accepting this and turning a blind eye as you do.
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 9:25 AM
Right on, fotrabla and suzkin33! What ABOUT the people losing jobs or downgrading in their field?!
What ABOUT some homeless people who used to work at the steel mills or wherever?!
There’s been documentaries about this.
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 9:27 AM
“Never look down on anyone
unless you’re helping them up.”
Jesse Jackson
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 9:28 AM
I suppose Jesus was a moron for helping people.
You are twisted, Jorn Jensen.
By blutoblutarsky, September 2, 2015 @ 12:14 PM
Well, the KP troll is at it again trying to throw gas on some flames. Maybe he’ll add another racist comment on this thread as icing on the cake.
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 6:28 PM
bluto: LOL!
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 6:31 PM
Maybe I’ll put this on my tombstone:
“Here Lies the Bleeding Heart Liberal Moron”
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 6:35 PM
“What if God was one of us? Just a slob like one of us? Just a stranger on the bus
trying to make his way home.”
Joan Osborne
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 6:38 PM
“Stupid is as stupid does.”
Forest Gump
By jd718, September 2, 2015 @ 7:10 PM
“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice.”
JJ thinks he’s funny, he’s not.
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 8:00 PM
Ya’ll need to go and listen to Leon Russell and take a chill pill.
RoadRocket: I don’t like it either when people take advantage of the system. They ruin it for others who are really trying. I’m not blind.
I’ve posted before about some who pretend their children are mentally ill so that they can get their SSI. So read comments on Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund to know me before you accuse me of being blind (if you can stand a lot of the hatred on there).
But not everyone is like that. A lot of people on assistance or on unemployment are humble and grateful.
But, even some of the ones nowadays who are MAKING money aren’t trying very hard.
Do you notice how dirty most fast-food restaurants are these days? Notice how some waiters and waitresses act like you’re a pain in the butt for asking for extra napkins, etc.?
Do you notice how construction work in all kinds of businesses is shoddy to make a quick buck?
The quality of work is just not there anymore. It’s all about quantity and greed. It’s all about, “I’m not giving it my all unless you pay me big bucks.”
Many younger people starting out in the work force don’t want to start at the bottom because their working parents gave them everything and spoiled them rotten. It’s all beneath them. They expect to have brand new cars in high school, cell phones when they are nine years old, weddings paid by their parents (who can afford that during these times?), etc.
Are these types of workers any better than the people who are taking advantage of welfare?
I try my best no matter what job I have. I guess it’s a pride thing. I paid for my own wedding.
People should work harder and longer if they want more things.
Or work hard because they simply want to do so.
Some people don’t want much of the material things. Things don’t make people happy (they eventually get bored with them and they can’t take their possessions to the next world).
Helping people,animals, and the Earth make me happy. Isn’t that why we are really here?
By Just sayin, September 2, 2015 @ 8:44 PM
Someone is drinking that RoadRocket Rum again…
By Just sayin, September 3, 2015 @ 7:38 AM
Should people ignore the fact that this is the SECOND time Jorn Jensen has called me a MORON for being a caring person, and he is possibly running as a write-in for commissioner of Armstrong County?
Maybe he’s the kind who’d let THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL DIE!
Not MY KIND of PEOPLE!
By RoadRocket, September 4, 2015 @ 7:27 AM
Just Saying: After reading your 9 comments from the 2nd of this month I have to agree with Jensen. There is a difference between being caring and a pushover too. Learn how to get your point across in a paragraph or two, its so much more interesting for the listener.
By Just sayin, September 8, 2015 @ 10:09 AM
Roadie:
Although I do write lengthy comments, I’d rather read short, profound comments than long comments from some others that are forever repetitive and downright evil at times. Less is more.
People these days like comments in chunks.
I really don’t care what you or Jensen think.
It’s a free country. I can write in the style I want. People READ the comments here; they don’t LISTEN.
By Just sayin, September 13, 2015 @ 12:26 PM
“Lose your egos and become more compassionate.”
Dr. Wayne Dyer