Vikings coach Mike Zimmer gives backpacks to kids in St. Paul
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer visited the W. 7th St. Salvation Army in St. Paul yesterday to donate 100 backpacks filled with school supplies, on behalf of his foundation.
He gave the backpacks to children enrolled in Salvation Army preschool and summer camp programs. As a special bonus, he also handed out autographed footballs. (View photos of this event.)
“It’s an honor and a privilege to give you footballs and backpacks,” Zimmer told the kids, adding that he hoped the back-to-school supplies would help the children to “start the school year off right, get great grades, and have a great year.”
Zimmer’s gift was a blessing to the children and their families, many of whom struggle to make ends meet. The West 7th St. Salvation Army’s preschool and summer camp programs primarily serve low-income families that cannot afford market-rate care.
“It’s a thrilling opportunity to meet someone like Coach Mike,” said Lt. Mona Taube, leader of the West 7th Salvation Army. “It makes a lot of difference to these families to have that little bit of settling in their hearts as their kids begin the next year of school.”
Zimmer donated an additional 200 backpacks to kids served by Salvation Army locations in Albert Lea and Fergus Falls. This year's donation marks the third time that Zimmer and his foundation have donated back-to-school supplies to kids served by The Salvation Army.
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