Prince George, B.C. – The strike by  B.C.’s  teachers provided  an unintended break for the Salvation Army in Prince George.

Yesterday, the  Salvation Army was supposed to distribute 230 back packs filled with school supplies to  families  that had  registered for the assistance.  But, $6-$8000 dollars worth of supplies that had been ordered,  didn’t arrive on time to  be packed into the  back packs.

Business Coordinator Bill  Glasgow says had the  classes been in session there would have been an urgent situation, but since the schools are behind picket lines,  well,  the Salvation Army  got  a bit of a breather.

Volunteers were busy most of the night last night stuffing the bags with the school supplies and a $50 dollar gift card that is to be used for shoes and clothing.

The number of back packs needed this year is up from last, with 230 filled, and another 14 families on a waiting list.  Last year, there were 185 backpacks provided to  registered families.

The strike hasn’t dampened donations at all.  Glasgow says the yellow school bus collection  box at the Pine Centre Mall has already been emptied twice and there are still donations needing to  be  picked up from that site.

He offered thanks once again to Cameron Thun who donated $10,000 dollars so that 200  gift cards for shoes and clothing could be  part of the back pack supplies.  With 230 back packs needed, the Pine Centre Mall graciously made up the difference and provided the funds for the remaining 30 packs.

Distribution has  now been rescheduled to Wednesday , September 17^th.