The United Way of Bruce Grey needs more support for the annual back pack program, which helps students start the school year off right.
United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says they're expected to distribute about 2,400 backpacks full of new school supplies this year
She said financial donations are the best way to support the program.
"It's about an $80,000 program, and we're just over $40,000 in fundraising, so it's still a concern," she explained. "And we know things are really, really tough out there. Our costs have climbed significantly in the last couple of years, as well. So we need all the help we can get to ensure this program continues."
Dobbyn said if people want to donate supplies as a way to help their children understand charity, that will work, too. But they have already purchased most items for the program, and need to cover those costs.
"We do have the supplies in the building. We certainly are about 50 per cent in terms of the fundraising needed to cover the cost," she revealed. "In order to do next year, we have to make sure we cover this year's cost so that we have the funds for next year's program, as well, and we're about 50 per cent there. So the last couple of weeks in August are really important for this program."
Dobbyn pointed out that supplying backpacks to students in need helps them start the school year off on the right foot, and eases the financial burden on parents.
"This program is really important for the kids. It's really important for the parents," she continued. "It's less money for the parents to put out around that very expensive back to school time."
Dobbyn shared how one teacher welcomed the program.
"She said to me, 'you took the bullying out of my classroom because of this program', because all the kids start out on day one with the Crayola product, with good quality pencils and good products," she concluded. "And you know, often for low income children, this is where they can lend something, instead of them always borrowing from somebody else."