A program that ensures kids have everything they need to return to school kicks off a weeklong supply drive starting Saturday.
The United Way Hastings and Prince Edward’s Backpacks for Success program is accepting donations at Peter Smith GM in Belleville.
“This program is a lifeline for local families,” Emily Quesnelle, Campaign Coordinator, said in an interview ahead of the event. “More than 1,100 students throughout Hastings and Prince Edward this year are receiving their backpacks through Backpacks for Success.”
It couldn’t happen without their “incredible community supporters,” supply drive donations and sponsorships, she expressed.
The program provides students with brand-new backpacks filled with supplies for a fraction of the cost, for $12.
Hearing the sigh of relief from parents after they register their children for the program has been rewarding for Quesnelle, who began her journey with United Way two months ago.
“That is incredible,” she beamed. “When you pair that with seeing the kids pick up their brand new backpack and watching their faces light up when they rip open that backpack. They see brand new brand-name products that are for them, it is amazing.”
They will be collecting school supply donations to “Fill a Trax” in their showroom, helping set students up for success this school year.
The event is happening at 42 Towncentre Drive from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
School supplies like Pencils, Sharpeners, Pens, Scissors, Notebooks, Lined Paper, Binders, Highlighters, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Pencil Crayons and more are all needed to help students succeed this school year.
(NICOLE KLEINSTEUBER)
