Seasonal Initiatives
Backpacks & Sneakers Program
June-August @ Salem UMEM
Many of our families are required to send their children to school with classroom supplies that were once provided. Now families must purchase items like specific colored folders, certain sizes of binders, graphing calculators, headphones, as well as markers, pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks, highlighters, flash drives, index cards, pencil pouches and more. The supply list is often more than families can afford!
Through generous donations and gifts, nearly 200 children each year receive needed school supplies plus backpacks, new underwear and socks, and sneakers through the Backpacks and Sneakers Program. Our back-to-school initiative celebrates education and builds self-esteem while providing learning tools for children.
Halloween
Shop
October @ All Locations
If you are looking for fun, thrifty costumes or theme-party gear, our Halloween Shop is the place to find eerie inspiration and spooky savings!
Our locations in Salem and Howland have a great selection of costumes, apparel, accessories and décor to adorn you and your party space!
Christmas
Shoppe
October-November @ Salem
Each year, Salem's Christmas Shoppe serves over 100 children with the generous donations from individuals, churches, friends and businesses.
To help make Christmas special for each child and parent, we collect donations of new and unused toys, clothes, coats, snow pants, mittens, hats, boots, personal care items, books, school supplies, and more!
Our families apply and receive an appointment so they can choose gifts, clothing, stocking stuffers, personal care items and even wrapping supplies to help make the holiday magical!
THE Prom Shop
February-May @ Salem
The Prom Shop at UMEM Salem provides free clothing and accessories throughout the Winter Formal and Prom seasons. Middle and high school students can try on and choose from a large selection of shoes, dresses, suits, shirts, ties, and accessories to make their special event
even more memorable!
Our Howland Thrift Shop location also offers special occasion formal wear at affordable prices!
