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Salvation Army Of Homewood Collects Hundreds Of Backpacks For Kids

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Salvation Army of Homewood has a special project. They've collected tables full of colorful backpacks for kids who'll have something extra to smile about on the first day of school.

800 backpacks have peen selected by the Salvation Army, sponsored by PNC Bank. PNC spokeswoman Stephanie Cipriani says it's a boost for economically troubled school districts.

"Teachers typically end up buying supplies. And so this is going to make it so they don't have to do that. The districts are all over. They're in the city, they're in the Mon Valley, school districts that really don't have the ability to buy the supplies."

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They give kids a feeling of dignity and confidence, according to Lt. Jonathan Lewis of the Salvation Army.

"Kids go to school with trash bags and grocery bags, so it gives the kids a confidence boost. And when they have that much confidence, they perform better academically."

Backpack owners are proud to show off their new supplies. And one little girl says she's excited to take it to school.

"My mom didn't have enough money. I would have to use an old backpack, so I'm really excited."

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