GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- An annual back-to-school shopping event in Green Bay continues to make a difference for thousands of students in need.
One Stop School Shop was held Thursday at the Kress Events Center on the UW-Green Bay campus. Nearly 3,800 area students took part in the event.
Elementary-aged children had the opportunity to shop for a backpack, school supplies, socks and underwear, while middle and high school students received pre-packed backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies and other essential items.
"Like 95% of the families registered are on free/reduced lunch or are receiving some sort of assistance, so all these families really need that help. When the costs of rent and food and everything is already so expensive, this is just our way to give back and give them a sense of relief, so the kids can get excited for the school year," said Becky Darrow, director of social services for the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay and co-chair of the 2025 One Stop School Shop.
Darrow said the One Stop School Shop wouldn't be possible without the support of community donations, event sponsors, supply drives hosted by local businesses and churches and the dedicated volunteers.
"When backpacks alone cost $40,000 and school supplies cost $13,000, it is no easy feat for one agency. We've been very, very blessed that the community has done a significant job with collecting stuff and donating. We have over double the amount of donations that we had last year, which is huge," said Darrow.
Despite the hefty costs and months of planning and work that goes into bringing this event to life, Darrow said it's all worth it.
You know those kids are going into their school year with dignity. They have brand new, beautiful backpacks that they picked out themselves. They can get excited and it just makes it really feel like all the blood, sweat and tears are 100% worth it today.
This year's One Stop School Shop marked a bittersweet milestone for the Service League of Green Bay, which will be dissolving at the end of its fiscal year. The nonprofit organization has served children in need in Brown County for more than 90 years.
The 2025 back-to-school event will be the Service League's final year as co-host, after which the Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay will assume the role of lead organizer.
"Service League has done great things and has been great for the community. I just think the time has passed, so we're focusing on keeping our projects going. It's been a great partnership with the Salvation Army," said Anna Burnette, co-chair of the One Stop School Shop.
Although the Service League's name won't be attached going forward, Burnette said the store will look much the same next year, and many of the Service League members who have helped organize the One Stop School Shop will continue organizing it with the Salvation Army.
Newcap also hosted a resource fair at the One Stop School Shop to help connect families in need to community resources, such as health services, educational support and programs designed to help children thrive year-round.