Salvation Army helps kids get ready for new school year in Merced

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Its back-to-school time and dozens of kids in the North Valley now have the supplies they need for the new school year.

The Salvation Army hosted this Back to School Night at its Merced Corps Community Center on Tuesday. About 125 children received backpacks full of pencils, notebooks and other essentials. They also enjoyed face painting, a bounce house, free haircuts and free food.

All of the funding for Tuesday's event came from private donors and one recent donation from the Educational Employees Credit Union.