By Sheldon Spackman

still in need!

Donations down significantly for Tools for School program

Sep 1, 2020 | 3:21 PM

Donations for a local program that ensures every student in central Alberta has the supplies they need for school each year are still way down.

That according to Barb Barber, Executive Director at Women’s Outreach in Red Deer which operates the Tools for School program.

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

“We’ve only handed out over 500 backpacks, which last year at this time we were at 1200,” says Barber. “So we’re really struggling a little bit for some of the supplies such as loose leaf paper and pens, but we are good for backpacks. It’s just those items that go in it.”

Barber admits that donations are down significantly both financially and in terms of supplies, noting the demand has stayed consistent.

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“We definitely need kind of where we were last year, which would be the 1200,” says Barber. “I do think people are just kind of waiting to see what happens with school over the next little bit. Although the immediate demand isn’t there, I think the demand over the year as a whole is going to be there.”

Barber points out that the year-round program is solely supported by the donations received.

“We can only help the number of kids that we have donations for, so don’t ever underestimate the small donations as well,” she exclaims. “So as you’re going out to pick up supplies, or even as things start going on sale, that’s a good time to pick up supplies and drop them off.“

Barber also acknowledges the additional impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their program.

“Normally in packing up the backpacks, we’ve used volunteers to do that in the past,” she explains. “And due to COVID, we’ve had to shut our volunteer programs down. So we were a little concerned about how we were going to get all this stuff packed up.”

Barber says that’s when members of CrossRoads Church stepped up to help.

“They have been the ones that have come in and packed up our backpacks,” remarks Barber. “Had it not been for them – that would have caused a huge stress on the agency and the staff within the agency. I’m so grateful for their time and willingness to come in and do that.”

For those able to donate, supplies can be dropped off at Women’s Outreach (4401 54 Ave, Red Deer) or at United Way of Central Alberta (4811 48 Street).

Cash donations can also be made at those locations or at Staples locations in Parkland Mall and Gasoline Alley.

For families in need of assistance, contact Women’s Outreach.