It's that time of year again: United Way of Chatham-Kent is starting to collect donations and receive applications for its annual Operation BackPacks campaign.
The program aims to provide local children with a new backpack full of grade-appropriate school supplies each year.
Goodneighbours Coordinator Mary Symons says there was a definite increase in referrals and requests during last year's campaign. She says with the help of the program and community donations, 1,352 backpacks were donated to students in Chatham-Kent.
Symons says the campaign helps alleviate the financial stress parents face when the new school year rolls around.
"We do look forward to assisting those parents who, like many do, face the challenges of having their child going back to school. It can be a very expensive time of year," explains Symons. "There are so many things needed depending on the grade that they're attending."
You can help support the program by donating money, supplies, or your time.
"Anybody who wishes to help with donations to Operation BackPacks can certainly make a monetary contribution. For just $25 they can support a backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies," she says.
Volunteers can help pack and distribute backpacks during the last week of August.
Symons says the campaign is now paperless this year.
Parents or guardians can request a backpack for their children online. On the program’s website, you can access the online referral form, supplies provided by grade level, and information regarding where and when you can pick up your requested backpacks. The last day for referral submissions is Friday, August 17.
For more information about how you can become involved, contact Mary Symons at goodneighbours@uwock.ca.
