SALT LAKE CITY - The Road Home shelter in Salt Lake City teams up with local businesses every year to help buy clothes and school supplies for kids who can't afford them.
The Apple Tree Campaign, which is in its seventh year, has helped over 380 students head back to school with confidence.
"My granddaughter started crying when she found out she might get new clothes and school supplies because she's going into 6th grade and it's something important to her," said Brenda Byrd, a grandmother.
The Road Home teams up with Intrepid for the campaign. Local businesses like Staples, Payless, Down East and Sanctuary Day Spa feature trees with wish lists on at their locations.
"The trees have apples on them with our children's names and sizes, then you can hand select an apple and go and buy that particular child back to school clothing and supplies," said Celeste Eggert, The Road Home.
Organizers say the campaign provides more than just clothes and school supplies, but also confidence.
"I think it's the same thing with all these kids, if they get their new clothes to start school that they'll feel better and do better in school," said Byrd.
The Road Home shelter has seen a 300 percent increase in the number of families who need assistance over the last five years.
"This year we're having close to one hundred children that will be provided back to school clothing with the Apple Tree Project," said Eggert.
For more information on the event and how you can help, visit www.theroadhome.org.
