No one wants to hear about going back to school in the beginning of August.
No one wants to hear about going back to school in early August.
But the Best First Day backpack program to supply children with school supplies is starting its drive early because organizers predict the need is going to be greater than ever.
“We don’t normally launch this early. We’re launching it now because the need is going to be great,” said Jackie Ellefsen of the Thames Valley Education Foundation.
With COVID-19 measures being lifted, schools are expecting a greater number of students attending in person, she said.
“We’re going to have more people enter back into the school system that may have stayed home for the past couple of years,” Ellefsen said.
As well, there has been a spike in the number of newcomers in the area, such as Ukrainian refugees fleeing their war-torn country.
The rising cost of living is also placing pressure on many London-area families, Ellefsen said.
The foundation partners with United Way Elgin Middlesex and the Salvation Army London Community and Family Services to deliver backpacks across the region, including to the Thames Valley and London District Catholic school boards, Indigenous communities and women’s shelters.
Last year the program handed out more than 3,200 backpacks filled with school supplies, and this year organizers expect there could be a need for 4,000 or more backpacks for youth and children in London and Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford counties.
Another reason for starting early is the desire for students to have their backpack full of supplies prior to the first day of school, Ellefsen said.
“It’s a dignity thing as well. Getting ahead of the back-to-school crush is important to make sure those kids have backpacks on the first day of school,” she said.
At the top of their wish list of items to donate are the backpacks themselves and lunch pails, Ellefsen said.
“We have the most difficult time getting those.”
After that, classroom items such as pens, papers, binders, water bottles are needed, Ellefsen said.
Students and families requiring backpacks should contact their school for more details.
Donations are being accepted until Sept. 2.
Visit bestfirstday.ca for information on donating supplies or cash, drop-off locations and volunteering.