Morrie’s Auto donates backpacks, $25k (video)

Aug 16, 2018

Kids pick out backpacks and school suppliesYesterday dozens of Minneapolis kids came to Salvation Army headquarters in Roseville to pick out new backpacks and cram them full of new school supplies (view photos). It was all thanks to Morrie’s Automotive Group and its customers, who together donated about 6,000 backpacks to help children start the new school year right.

A third-grade girl named Dayanara selected a blue backpack and filled it with notebooks, pencils, binders, pens, and other items.

Major Roberto Viquez laughs with a child“This is awesome,” Dayanara said. “I have so much stuff in my backpack that I might fall down.”

The Salvation Army almost fell over, too, when Morrie’s employees presented a donation of $25,000.

“This program from Morrie’s is so important to these kids and their families,” said Major Roberto Viquez (pictured right), co-leader of the E. Lake St. Salvation Army in Minneapolis. “Most of these kids come from low-income families. New backpacks and school supplies are a big deal. I have three kids of my own and I know how expensive it can be.”

A girl fills her backpackThis was the fifth straight year that Morrie’s has donated backpacks and money.

“Our main business is selling and servicing cars, but it’s fun to find other ways to connect with the community,” said Ben Robertaccio, marketing director for Morrie’s Automotive. “Our backpack roundup is another way to get out and make a difference.”

Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community. Stay current on how The Salvation Army is changing lives in Minnesota and North Dakota by signing up for our e-Newsletters.

Video

Watch a recap of the Morrie’s backpack giveway:


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