Building Better Futures: Aetna Better Health Kids Supports The Salvation Army
PITTSBURGH (August 15, 2024) – The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division is committed to ensuring local students have the tools they need to succeed including backpacks, shoes, school supplies, hygiene packs, haircuts, vision and dental screenings and more. Thanks to generous support from Aetna Better Health Kids, a CVS Health company, The Salvation Army will be able to better assist students throughout Allegheny County in the service areas for The Salvation Army’s Allegheny Valley, Chartiers Valley, Homewood and North Boroughs locations. Aetna Better Health Kids is also providing support to those living in Johnstown, Rochester and Washington, Pennsylvania.
“The Salvation Army is often recognized for our Christmas assistance programs, but the reality is the need for support extends far beyond the holidays and the demand for back-to-school resources has grown exponentially,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania said. “Thanks to partnerships like ours with Aetna Better Health Kids, we've been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and their families. Programs such as Best Foot Forward, which provides new shoes in Washington, and local vision and dental screenings where applicable, ensure students are ready to succeed when they return to the classroom.”
All students entering grades K-12 are eligible for assistance across Western Pennsylvania’s 28 county service area. Families should contact their local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center, which can be found on salvationarmywpa.org, for information about programs available in their area.
“We are proud to partner with The Salvation Army to help make an impact throughout Western Pennsylvania,” said Jerold Mammano, Division President, Aetna Medicaid. “When families have the essentials they need for the new school year, they can focus on their student’s education and development.”
To support students in need in your area, donate to The Salvation Army online. Consider choosing the monthly giving option to ensure children have the necessary tools, resources and opportunities to excel academically and reach their full potential all year long.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 134 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit salvationarmywpa.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.