Back-to-School Drive Brings Halifax Community Together

Across Canada, The Salvation Army runs many back-to-school programs that provide families in need with classroom essentials just before the fall. While each location is well equipped to serve its clients, this is not always possible without community support.

“The applications we receive for this program are greater every year due to the rising cost of living.”

In Halifax, all three Salvation Army locations, Halifax West, Encounter and Centre of Hope, brought together staff, volunteers and partners, for a citywide back-to-school drive at two local spots: the Dartmouth Crossing shopping centre and Canadian Tire in Bayers Lake.

This initiative gave people the opportunity to donate school supplies or make financial contributions to the Army’s backpack program while enjoying fun activities for all ages, including free barbecues, draws and games.

Community Ministries Director Rebecca Nichols says the events drew approximately 500 attendees.

“We had a great turnout and the public was very engaged, which was good,” Rebecca says.

This donation drive was as crucial as ever this year, as demand for the back-to-school program continues to increase.

“The applications we receive for this program are greater every year due to the rising cost of living,” Rebecca adds.

Each summer, The Salvation Army purchases school supplies in bulk to prepare for the program, while donations collected through the drive help the organization reach additional families.

Everything is distributed a few days after the event.

For those receiving support, the experience is also designed to be engaging.

“We try to make it fun. Kids can come and pick out the backpack they like the most. We have several different designs and colours. There are also grade-specific supplies they can choose from. So, it’s a little bit like a shopping model,” Rebecca shares.

The citywide effort was made possible not only through donations but also by the contributions of volunteers, who played an important role in making the event a success.

Approximately 20 volunteers helped at the two locations. They will also assist with preparing and distributing backpacks in the next few days.

“Our biggest hope is to show our clients that they are not alone.”

The Salvation Army’s backpack program also helps families free up more money for other needs such as food, rent and bills.

Beyond the back-to-school support, the overall goal for The Salvation Army is to ensure clients know they have a supportive community behind them.

“Our biggest hope is to show our clients that they are not alone and that we can assist them while giving them a little bit of hope and joy,” Rebecca concludes.

By Juan Romero