On any given school day in San Diego, thousands of students arrive on campus carrying more than backpacks. Many carry the weight of food insecurity, limited access to resources, and uncertainty about what happens once the school day ends. Across the city, The Salvation Army San Diego is working alongside local schools to help ease those burdens by meeting students and families where they are, building trust, and opening doors to opportunity.
One powerful example of this growing collaboration can be found at Cesar Chavez Elementary School, a Title I campus serving approximately 350 students, where 100 percent of children receive free lunches. Over the past year, The Salvation Army has become a familiar and welcome presence, partnering with school leaders to support families beyond the classroom.
A Winter Resource Event in 2024 launched The Salvation Army’s outreach efforts with Cesar Chavez Elementary. Families enjoyed hot chocolate, family resources, and information about summer camps and youth programs. This past October, nearly 100 hygiene bags (assembled by The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary) were delivered directly to students, helping meet basic needs that often go unnoticed. During the school’s Back-to-School Resource Fair in September, Salvation Army staff conducted in-person camp sign-ups, connecting more than 20 families with future opportunities for their children. “One of the biggest barriers for families is cost, and we work hard to remove that barrier,” said Cole Thiec, Youth Program Specialist for The Salvation Army San Diego. “Our summer camps are typically only $25 per week, sometimes less, but the experience feels anything but low-cost – kids gain confidence, friendships, and positive mentors in a safe environment where they can truly thrive.”
Similar partnerships are taking root across San Diego. At Chollas Mead Elementary School, The Salvation Army delivered 300 hygiene bags to students and was featured as a community partner in the school’s newsletter, reinforcing its role as a trusted resource. At Ibarra Elementary, The Salvation Army participated in a Halloween celebration and costume parade, offering candy, prayer opportunities, camp sign-ups, and information about programs at The Salvation Army’s Joan B. Kroc Center.
Collaboration does not always begin with an event – it often starts with a conversation. At Laurel Elementary School, Salvation Army representatives met with principals and families to explore ways to expand youth programs and connect students with camps and enrichment opportunities. At Logan Memorial Educational Campus, The Salvation Army joined other community partners during a family concert, sharing resources and strengthening relationships with parents and caregivers.
Support also extends to schools serving unique populations. At Hancock Elementary School, where many students come from military families, The Salvation Army participated in a resource fair, engaging parents in conversations about summer programs and helping children transition smoothly into the months ahead.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing network of partnerships built on trust, presence, and shared purpose. By working hand in hand with educators and families, The Salvation Army San Diego is doing more than meeting immediate needs – it is investing in the potential of every child.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s youth programs, and affordable summer camps, visit www.sandiego.salvationarmy.org.
