New Backpacks for Low-Income Kids

There will be a lot of happy children on the first day of school thanks to The Salvation Army in Huron County’s backpack program.

The Salvation Army in Huron County, Ontario, which includes Goderich, Clinton and Wingham, is well underway in its backpack program that will benefit more than 300 low-income children and families as they prepare for the start of the school year.

“This is my second year using the program,” says Deanna, grandmother of six-year-old Brendon. “I’m on a fixed income and the gift of a new backpack takes a lot of financial stress from me. It also means that Brendon will start the school year on the same foot as the other kids.”

Giving a backpack to a family in need is more than about pencils and crayons. It’s about peace of mind for parents who struggle to make ends meet. It’s about a good day at school and acceptance for a child. Every child should have the opportunity to start the school year with their head held high.

“Each child will receive, at the very least, a backpack,” said Shannon Daniels, family services co-ordinator with The Salvation Army. “Our hope is that they will also receive a lunch bag, a pencil case, rulers and other school supplies as well. We attempt to fill every backpack with supplies that are age and gender appropriate.”

“Backpacks cost a minimum of $40,” says Deanna. “And that’s without any school supplies. The bottom line is that without The Salvation Army’s backpack program I’d have to cut back on something else and that would likely be clothes. I’m glad I don’t have to make that choice.”