Parents in need of assistance to obtain school supplies for their children will soon be able to do so with the Albert Lea Salvation Army’s Tools for School backpack distribution next week.

Applications will be taken from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 at 302 Court St.

Applicants will need to bring proof of all household income, verification of residency in Freeborn County, proof that children are registered in a Freeborn County school (grades kindergarten through eighth-grade) and a parental ID.

Backpacks will be distributed the same day to those who qualify.

Albert Lea Salvation Army Lt. Steve Hansen said the organization follows the federal government’s poverty guidelines, but they also look at cases individually. Even if a family is well above the poverty guidelines, and they can show that they’re not able to upkeep with that, the Salvation Army will help them, he said.

The organization has been collecting school supplies in a bin at Shopko but will mostly purchase the supplies to give away, he added.

The goal is to serve probably 150 families.

“Certainly if the need is more, we will be able to do that,” Hansen said. “But given past numbers and with the economy the way it is, we think that will be close.”

Also to help parents outfit their children for school, the Salvation Army will have a back-to-school sale at its thrift store starting Monday and going through Aug. 31. Clothing from the children’s department will be 75 cents per item.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at 416 N. Bridge Ave.

For more information, call 373-5710.