Boxes filled with school supplies for the Tools for School program. 

By Jordan Davidson (Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow)

school supplies needed

Back to class means more donations needed for Tools for School

Aug 19, 2021 | 2:16 PM

A local program which collects school supplies is once again putting out the call for donations.

Tools for School, which is facilitated by the Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Centre, is done in partnership with United Way Central Alberta.

Donation numbers were lower last year due to most school divisions moving to at-home learning. Now kids are heading back to classrooms, the need for backpacks filled with basic supplies has returned.

Administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator with the Women’s Outreach Centre Trinna Clemence says along with the usual donations such as paper, pencils, crayons, and binders, they’re also looking to collect donations for older students.

“We could use some backpacks for grades 9-12, so ones that are a little bit bigger, and without any sayings or drawings on them,” she says.

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She says they’re also looking for geometry sets for junior high backpacks, as well as pencil cases, glue, and markers.

Donations have picked up now that August is winding down and plans for in-person school have been set. In 2019, 1,200 backpacks were distributed before the pandemic hit.

Clemence notes Tools for School helps many new Canadians who may not be familiar with which basic supplies kids need for school.

“We have immigrant families attend on a special day just for them, and on a weekend, because then we can have translators here,” she explains. “The program is very well-received. We have social workers from the different schools who call us and help set up kids who they feel would benefit.”

To contribute, first call the Outreach Centre at 403-347-2480. Cash donations are also accepted. Families in need of assistance can contact The Outreach Centre starting Monday, Aug. 23.

More information is at theoutreachcentre.org.