For many people, going back to school is a joyful time when children are reunited with their classmates and favorite teachers, and parents get a break from having their kids at home 24 hours a day.

For others, going back to school can be stressful — especially for low-income families wondering how they will afford new school supplies for their children.

Fortunately, the Niles Salvation Army is offering help.

On Tuesday, Aug. 25, families living in Niles will have the opportunity to pick up free backpacks and school supplies for their first- through 12th-grade students.

“Our hope that these resources give these families in our area a little hand up just to get those kids off to the best start they can possibly have at school,” said Jan Nowak, director of caring ministries for the Niles Salvation Army.

Distribution will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army, which is located at 424 N. 15th St.

in Niles.

It is first come first served, so families are encouraged to show up as early as possible. No preregistration is needed or offered.

“We will do our best to serve everybody we can for as long as the resources last,” said Nowak. “We ask people to come pleasant and patient… we will get people through as quickly and efficiently as we can.”

People will need to come prepared to show an ID for the custodial parent or guardian, Social Security cards for all children and proof of which school the kids will attend in the fall.

Children do not have to be present, but are welcome to attend.

Nowak said she and volunteers enjoy helping kids pick out and put on the backpacks.

“Their little smiling faces start beaming at you with their brand new bookbag and all their new supplies — those smiles they give us is payment enough,” she said.

Although the Salvation Army won’t turn anyone away, Nowak said the program is designed to serve families struggling to afford school supplies.

“We do ask that people truly be in need, but we will leave that between them and the Lord,” she said.

The program serves approximately 300 children each year.

Nowak said the number of people served depends on the amount of supplies donated.

If they get 300 backpacks, they will have 300 to distribute. If they get more, they will hand out more.

The Salvation Army will accept donations of new bookbags and school supplies up until distribution time.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Salvation Army.

Backpacks will be pre-packed with age appropriate materials such as notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons, glue, erasers, folders, spiral notebook, etc.

Nowak thanked Wal-Mart Vision Center and Dowagiac Shopko for their generous donations.