The Pack a Backpack School Supply Drive is off to a strong start in Steinbach.
Donations began coming in early this morning, with all items going directly to the Steinbach Family Resource Centre (SFRC).
Executive Director Jo-Anne Dalton says a typical school supply list includes about 30 items.
“We have glue sticks, erasers, pencils, pens, of course. But then we also have whiteboard markers, sharpies, earbuds or headphones, Kleenex, and binders. There's also geometry sets for the older grades and scientific calculators. So, the costs really add up.”
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Dalton notes that on top of supplies, schools often charge activity fees, which can be another challenge for families.
“Those activity fees can really determine whether a family can afford the actual supplies and items. And that's where we can step in and offer a little bit of relief by providing the items themselves, the essentials. Split them up between as many families as are needed, and then they can maybe get those fees paid instead of having to worry about all of the other 30 items on this list.”
James Duguay, Manager at Giant Tiger in Steinbach, says the store is proud to take part in an initiative like Pack a Backpack.
“We like to be involved with the community, and we've partnered with the Family Resource Centre before. We like to help them out as much as we can and do what we can for the community. So, we just want to be involved.”
Apryl Blunt, a local mother, made a donation to Pack a Backpack today.
“About 10 years ago, I was part of the Resource Centre, and they supported me and my kids, so it's good to give back at this point in my life,” she says.
Blunt hopes others will be inspired to do the same.
“That feels pretty amazing, actually.”
Donations can be made to the Pack a Backpack School Supply Drive at Giant Tiger until 6 p.m. today.
With files from Carly Koop