Once again Bell Alliant is donating backpacks all across Ontario to promote the “Backpacks for Kids” campaign.
The program is intended to help children acquire the basic supplies required to start the school year, which not all families can afford.
Last year, Mapleton residents stepped up to the challenge and donated enough school supplies to fill 31 backpacks, which were then distributed to Mapleton schools.
That exceeded last year’s goal of 20 backpacks and almost doubled the amount collected in 2007.
School authorities use their discretion when distributing the backpacks, based on teacher observations or obvious need.
Larry and Norma McFadden, of Rootz Nursery in Drayton, and the local champions for the campaign, are pleased with the past response from the community.
The suggested list of supplies for each backpack are as follows: crayola crayons (24pkg), coloured pencils (24pkg), coloured markers (12pkg), pencils, pens, a yellow highlighter, white erasers (4), glue stick (3), plastic ruler (30cm), scribblers (80 pages, three each), loose-leaf folders (5), loose-leaf lined paper (two each, 100/pkg), 1” binder (2), blunt safety scissors and a pencil sharpener.
The success of the program depends on the support of the people and organizations in the community.
Anyone wanting to donate supplies or adopt a backpack can contact Larry or Norma at Rootz Nursery at 519-638-5333.
School supplies can also be dropped off at Marlie’s Café or Bloomingdales in Drayton.
The deadline to return filled backpacks is Aug. 26.
