Registration for the United Way of Bruce Grey’s annual Backpack Program is now open.
The program supports low-income families across the region with backpacks containing grade-appropriate items like notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential school supplies.
Over the program’s 20-year history, over 35,000 backpacks have been distributed to families in need.
Fundraising Champion Kristy Andre says, “it is so important because it’s one less thing that a family has to worry about. This program is there for people of low income families and it has been there for some people from JK to all the way through to high school. The savings that it has brought to parents has been substantial. I don’t think people realize how much this is impacting families, students and it’s really important for a student’s future.”
Those looking to support the program can donate supplies when the United Way hosts its Stuff the Bus event at Staples in Owen Sound from Aug. 15 to 17. Financial donations can also be made as the United Way aims to raise $90,000 in support of the program.
“This has been calculated through data of estimated costs and how much things have been rising,” says Andre.
People interested in registering for the program can call 211.
More details on the program can be found on the United Way’s website here, while donations can be made on the Backpacks4Kids website here.
