The Backpacks for Kids program has distributed 850 backpacks to local children and youth, but organizers say the need has continued to grow and they’re now asking the community for help.
Staff and 50 community volunteers packed the backpacks last Tuesday at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre, preparing supplies for students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.
The following day, organizers returned to find a lineup around the building, including people who had pre-registered for backpacks and others who had not.
Community organizations were picking up backpacks for the families, children and youth they serve as well.
Organizations receiving backpacks included Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland/Youth Wellness Hub, The Help Centre, Community Living & Respite Northumberland, Kinark Child and Family Services, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, Northumberland County EarlyON locations, the New Canadians Centre, Port Hope High School, Alderville First Nation Child and Family Wellbeing, Community Health Centres of Northumberland, Salvation Army locations and St. Vincent de Paul.
Organizers say their phones have continued ringing since the distribution and they’ve now run out of backpacks, while the waitlist keeps growing ahead of the start of the school year.
The program is asking for monetary donations, which allow backpacks and school supplies to be purchased in bulk and at a discount.
A $25 donation can provide a fully stocked JK/SK backpack, which organizers say is the highest-need age group this year.
People can also donate new backpacks and school supplies at 62 Swayne Street in Cobourg.
The program says every donation can help close the gap for children and families who still need support before school begins.
