For some school children, there is excitement in heading to local stores to pick up their back-to-school supplies.
In other homes, though, there might be some consternation. Parents might have the tough choice of choosing school supplies or new school clothing or maybe what the family can afford to eat.
That is why the Community Resource Centre and TD Canada Trust are continuing their annual backpack program for students who can use a helping hand.
Over 100 backpacks will be filled with school supplies for needy students, said Ron McKinnon, of the centre.
It receives a list of what is needed by students in various grades, and the centre puts those supplies it receives from Staples into back packs and distributes those to people in need.
McKinnon said every year about 10 to 20 backpacks are needed by high school students, and the centre provides some that are of higher quality so those students can blend with their peers.
“We want the kids to feel comfortable,” he said.
McKinnon said the Community Resource Centre receives all kinds of donations of goods, and TD Canada Trust provides $1,000 to help purchase supplies that are not donated. Hugh Calderwood, of TD Canada Trust in Fergus, was at the Centre on Thursday to present that cheque.
McKinnon said the CRC has been dealing with Staples for several years and gets a break on supplies, many donated. Staples has named the Community Resource Centre as the community agency to help support families.
The purpose of the program is to set children up for success – officials say school is challenging enough without adding a financial element to it and it is one less thing for a family to worry about – and to have a positive impact on the future of the community.
Families in need in the local community are targeted by using CRC files, as well as referrals from Family and Children Services, Trellis, Public Health and other agencies.
There are 115 back packs to be filled this year, and staff were busy packing them on Aug. 18.
“It’s going up,” said McKinnon of the annual need.
The packs will each contain $45 to $50 worth of school supplies.
High school students will also receive a calculator in their new packs.
McKinnon foresees a larger need next year when junior Kindergarten students are included because of full-day daycare.
The program exists, McKinnon said, because good education is vital to positive results later in life for careers and relationships.
He added the centre wants to ensure children get off to a good start each school year. Further, education is a tool to prevent poverty.
The centre’s Frances Livingstone noted the program runs all year round. That’s because, when dealing with kids, things wear out or even get lost.
McKinnon said it is similar to the centre’s Christmas program. There are sometimes gifts left over that are suitable throughout the year so that children invited to a birthday party, for instance, or celebrating a birthday, have a chance to receive or give a gift.
Anyone who is in need of a backpack can call the centre at 519-843-7000 and mention the word “backpack” or “outreach,” and they will be served.
