Community Backpack Program Sets Student up For Success
The Salvation Army in Guelph is supporting The Hope House Community Backpack Program to help families in need get ready for school this Fall.
Many local organizations including Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, The Salvation Army, the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, and the YMCA are participating in this community effort.
The group filled 1600 backpacks last year and so far they have received a total of 1400 applications this summer.
“Last year we had 113 applications for backpacks through The Salvation Army and we are expecting many more this year as registration is open a month longer,” said Ashlee Mackneer, Salvation Army Community and Family Services Case Worker. “There have also been a lot of new families moving to the area.”
All the supplies donated to the program are gathered together at a warehouse managed by Hope House and then organized and filled by volunteers before being redistributed to the organizations for pick up by the families.
“Each organization involved brings something different to the table. We have been working collaboratively for 10 years and the program continues to grow,” said Ashlee. “It’s really amazing.”
Ashlee says it’s important to give kids a good start at school with the tools they need.
“This way they all have the supplies to set them up for success,” said Ashlee. “The school lists can be overwhelming for some families and these backpacks help offset the cost of getting their kids ready for back to school. It’s wonderful to see the kids reactions. Their eyes light up and it’s really sweet to see the little ones get so excited.”
The online application lists all the organizations in the area and families can choose which organization they want to pick up from. Families can register online until July 29th, 2022 on the Hope House Guelph website at www.hopehouseguelph.com.
A wait list will be created for those who register after July 29th. Backpacks will be distributed at the end of August and early September.
“We always have extra supplies. People are always able to get something,” said Ashlee. “All the donated supplies are either used this year or the next.”
Community donations of backpacks and school supplies may be dropped off at Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars, 5055 Whitelaw Rd, Guelph, 519-836-2900. or to the Guelph Storm hockey office, 50 Woolwich St, unit B, 519-837-9690.
Financial donations can be made on their website www.hopehouseguelph.com and corporate donations and interest can be made by calling Hope House at 519-265-4299.
To donate to The Salvation Army please visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
By: Caroline Franks
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