Back-to-School Program Makes a Difference

Oluwatoyin works hard to provide for her children, aiming to give them all the tools they need to succeed. However, she admits that with the rising cost of living, the expenses of raising a family can become overwhelming, especially before the beginning of a new academic year.

With two daughters in high school and one son in elementary, the costs add up quickly as September approaches.

“The Salvation Army made the experience feel positive and dignified.”

“The return to classes comes with lots of expenses when you consider backpacks, supplies, water bottles, shoes, haircuts and all the other things children need,” she shares.

To relieve this financial strain, Oluwatoyin signed up for The Salvation Army’s Back-to-School Program in Kamloops, B.C. Since 2024, she has received practical support to help her family prepare for class that includes backpacks with supplies, water bottles and financial assistance for school shoes.

“The support has been wonderful. All three of my kids have benefited from the program,” she says. “What I appreciate most is that the support goes beyond simply giving a child a backpack.”

As a parent, the program helped Oluwatoyin focus on other necessities for her family.

“It made a significant difference,” she adds. “The assistance from The Salvation Army helped reduce that financial pressure and allowed me to redirect some of the money I would have spent on those items toward other important household and family needs.”

“It can make them feel included, valued and ready to learn.”

Aside from appreciating the practical aspect, she also believes the program has had a positive emotional impact on her children.

“Sometimes something as simple as a new backpack or a pair of shoes may seem small to an adult, but to a child it can mean so much,” Oluwatoyin shares. “It can make them feel included, valued and ready to learn.”

As a mother, having this support available brings her peace of mind.

“It gave me some relief because I did not have to carry the full financial burden of preparing three children for school by myself,” she says.

In addition, Oluwatoyin has been grateful for how welcoming and helpful The Salvation Army’s staff have been over the past few years.

“Asking for help can sometimes be difficult for families because of embarrassment or uncertainty. The Salvation Army made the experience feel positive and dignified.”

Reflecting on all the good things that have come thanks to the Back-to-School Program, Oluwatoyin says she is thankful to be able to send her children to classes fully prepared and ready to learn.

“I would simply like to say thank you to The Salvation Army, its staff, volunteers, donors and everyone who contributes to making this program possible,” she concludes.

By Juan Romero