(Women's Outreach)

By Sheldon Spackman

Back To School

Backpacks needed for Tools for School program

Aug 14, 2019 | 4:43 PM

With thousands of central Alberta students set to head back to class in a few weeks, officials with Women’s Outreach in Red Deer are encouraging residents to once again consider supporting their annual Tools for School program.

The year-round program conducted in partnership with the United Way of Central Alberta aims to reduce a well-known barrier preventing children and youth from successful learning and participation in school – having the proper school supplies.

Tools for School program sees supplies collected and distributed to families across central Alberta with children in Kindergarten to Grade 12, who otherwise could not afford to purchase them.

Women’s Outreach executive director Barb Barber says the program’s success is 100 per cent dependent on community support.

“We do like to stay ahead of the demand, so we’re anticipating handing out about 1,500 backpacks this year,” says Barber. “So far today, 457 have been filled. Immediately, we need about 175 backpacks right away. We do have the supplies for them but we do need the backpacks.”

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Drop-off locations this year include CrossRoads Church, Staples, Walmart in Sylvan Lake, United Way of Central Alberta and Women’s Outreach in Red Deer. Donations can also be made online at canadahelps.org.

Barber says the backpacks donated and their accompanying supplies make a big impact for the students who receive them.

“The real focus of the program is to be able to give kids the proper supplies that they need to begin the school year,” she explains. “When kids can go to school with a brand new backpack and new supplies, especially for our kids whose parents are struggling, just to be able to have kids feel like they are on equal footing as everybody else in their classroom, it really helps kids start that first day of school in a right frame of mind and hopefully continues through the whole school year.”

Barber notes volunteers are also needed to help shop for supplies and fill backpacks.

“So when the parents come in to fill out the forms, then we can just hand the backpacks right to them,” she explains. “It’s a pretty easy process.”

Barber points out over 1,500 backpacks were handed out last year.

“I’m always amazed at how people really get behind the program and are able to support the program,” exclaims Barber. “We’re really appreciative of the support that we get. The program is delivered through Women’s Outreach but United Way is a huge partner and so we just really appreciate the support they get behind the program in regards to getting the word out and helping find those sponsors and those donations.”

CrossRoads Church will also be collecting new shoes for children returning to school.They hope to collect over 1,100 pairs of shoes for children going back to school with the Love in the Laces program.

With the support of CrossRoads Church volunteers, students will be assisted with shoe selection and sizing to ensure they put their best foot forward when they return to class. The program, however, relies solely on community donations, so shoes size, styles, colour and availability cannot be guaranteed.

To qualify for the Love in the Laces program, students must be a resident of Red Deer, Penhold, Blackfalds or Delburne.

A valid health care card for each student will also be required along with proof of household income when applying for the Love in the Laces program.

Shoe distribution is by appointment only. Please call 403-347-2480 to arrange an appointment.