Over the past month, everyone has been asked to Jam The Jeep at Cottonwood Mall for charity — just in time for the back-to-school season.
More than $3,500 in backpacks and school supplies were donated Friday to the Chilliwack Salvation Army for distribution through the local school system for families in need.
“The response has been overwhelming,” said mall spokesperson Dawn Lamotte.
Friday Sept. 9 was the last collection day for school supplies as well as the pickup.
“It’s been heartwarming to watch since back-to-school is an expensive time of year. But that’s the kind of giving community we live in here in Chilliwack,” said Lamotte.
Local Salvation Army officials had contacted the mall administration over the summer to say that supplies were in low supply, and asked if they could help. They sprang into action and launched the Jam the Jeep promotion, with the help of a 2011 Jeep that was loaned to the mall by O’Connor Dodge Chrysler for the effort.
“We see this as meeting a vital need in the community, and we so appreciated it very much,” said Ian Pratt, community ministries coordinator for Chilliwack Salvation Army. “Normally folks think of food and clothing in terms of donations but there are kids in need of these school supplies.
“There are lots of people out there hurting and that hits the family pocketbook at this time of year.”
Families should keep in mind the items will only be distributed through the schools, and not the Salvation Army, with teachers providing a list of those in need.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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