To make the back-to-school transition a little easier for the area’s vulnerable population, the United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District has launched its Backpacks for Success program. The initiative equips local kindergarten through Grade 12 students with backpacks filled with necessary school supplies.
“Locally, 21 per cent of children under 18 are living in poverty. Our economically vulnerable families must make impossible choices every day: choosing between paying rent, paying bills or buying groceries,” says a news release issued by the United Way. “September brings an additional financial stress to these families with back to school shopping for all of the basic tools.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the cause can do so online. Items can also be dropped off at the Cambrian Mall TD location or at United Way Office (301-258 Queen St. E.).
Full text of the United Way news release follows:
Back-to-school season is an exciting time for many children as they look forward to the year ahead, but unfortunately, some children do not have access to the supplies they need for a successful school year. Providing kids with back-to-school supplies increases classroom participation, attendance and student morale.
Show your local love and help students start the 2023/2024 school year with all the supplies they need to succeed. Your donations or financial support of our Backpack Program would make a huge difference to struggling families in need. The Backpacks for Success program provides students in kindergarten through Grade 12 with backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies.
Locally, 21 per cent of children under 18 are living in poverty. Our economically vulnerable families must make impossible choices every day: choosing between paying rent, paying bills or buying groceries. September brings an additional financial stress to these families with back to school shopping for all of the basic tools.
Our vision is that everyone in every community has the opportunity to reach their full potential and our Backpacks for Success initiative serves to ensure that all students have the educational tools they need. The underlying objective of Backpacks for Success is to help relieve this pressure. It will help to provide critical materials for a child, but will also helped (in a small way) to lift some of the burdensome pressures for families. For these families and many others, finding the extra resources to provide these supplies is almost impossible.
Fundraising Manager, Rayna Evoy, says, “We are very excited to run our first ever Backpack for Success initiative! With new changes coming to United Way Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District, we are happy to launch this program under our Helping Kids Be All That Kids Can Be pillar while helping students start the school year with confidence by having all they need to succeed. Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and having access to proper school supplies can significantly affect a student’s learning experience. Unfortunately, not all families can afford to purchase all the required supplies for their children. With your support on this exciting initiative, we have the ability to come together reducing the stress, creating change and improving the lives of the entire family!”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TD and Stone's Office Supply for their incredible support! Both of these exceptional sponsors have gone above and beyond to contribute to our mission of assisting those in need.
Marnie Stone, the dedicated owner of Stone's Office Supply, says, “At Stone’s, we know the excitement surrounding new supplies at the beginning of the school year! We are happy to be partnering with the United Way to bring this excitement to kids that may otherwise miss out.”
With the generous sponsorships of these businesses, we are poised to make a profound difference, bridging the gap that affects the most vulnerable segment of our population. Their support allows us to provide essential resources and opportunities to those in need. Together, we can build a stronger and more compassionate society, leaving a lasting legacy of care and support for generations to come. If you are a business looking to support, we need your help!
To reach our goals of assisting children in our community through this initiative, we are reaching out to the public to ask for your assistance! To make a donation please visit the website. If you would like to provide supplies, to help stuff backpacks, please feel free to drop off items to the TD Branch located in the Cambrian Mall or at United Way, located at 301-258 Queen St. E. Every bit counts!