Helping Low-Income Families at Back-to-School Time
The first week of school has come and gone and single parent, Megan, is grateful to The Salvation Army for providing her six-year-old daughter with a new backpack and school supplies.“Back-to-school expenses are a real source of stress for me,” says Megan. “To buy a lunch pail, backpack and supplies, could cost up to $200. I’d have to spend less on a monthly bill and catch up when I can. Help from The Salvation Army means I don’t have to do that.”
“Everyone should be able to go to school and feel confident regardless of their financial situation”
Megan says the school supply lists get longer and more expensive each year. “Everyone should be able to go to school and feel confident regardless of their financial situation,” says Shannon Daniels, Community and Family Services Manager for The Salvation Army in Goderich, Ont. “Even a new box of pencils can help to motivate a child in their studies and be successful in school.”
“Back-to school expenses are a real source of stress for me”
The Backpack Program in Huron County supports low-income families. Donations are provided from many community organizations and individuals. Volunteers pack for a specific age and gender and each backpack has the child’s name attached to it. “It’s exciting for children to get new school supplies,” says Daniels. “For parents, it’s a huge relief because backpacks and supplies are quite costly.” “Lilly had fun going through the backpack,” says Megan. “The supplies will help her have the best school experience that she can. That makes me happy.”
