The Tools for School fundraising program in St. Albert is officially underway, collecting much-needed gear for kids in the capital region.
United Way Alberta and Staples are partnering with the St. Albert Food Bank to raise both money and supplies for families that need extra support.
Equipping children with the proper tools sets them up for success. It's one less thing they have to worry about, so they can fully focus their attention on their education.
According to United Way Alberta, over 120,000 people in the capital region live in poverty. Last year, the program distributed 13,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in these communities. In St. Albert, the food bank handed out 186 of those backpacks.
Doug Webster, general manager of St. Albert Staples, said the need grows every year.
"Quite often people think, 'Oh St. Albert, there's lots of money there and people are well off,' but that's really not the case. There's an awful lot of need in the schools."
Last year, the program raised $145,000 for the greater Edmonton area. This year, Webster said they are shooting for $154,000.
The school kits are divided into four categories (K-3, 4-6, 7-12 and high need items), each with a list of required school supplies compatible with the participating school divisions. The items in highest demand are backpacks, pencil crayons, pencils cases, pencils, erasers, pens, highlighters, coiled notebooks and washable markers.
Every August, the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village hosts a Tools for School event in which people can access the school supplies, receive a complimentary haircut and enjoy a free lunch. This event is pre-registration only and runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18.
"Every penny that gets donated ends up in the hands of a child in the form of a pencil, or book or backpack – whatever it happens to be," Webster said. "I think people really appreciate the value of that cause."
To donate in person, visit the local food bank or a Staples store near you. You can also make donations online via http://bit.ly/Donate-ToolsForSchools.
