Collingwood Backpack Drive Equips Students for Back to School

Students in Collingwood are headed back to class with 77 backpacks loaded with school supplies thanks to a local resident and The Salvation Army.

Ashley Plewes’ recent backpack drive at the Collingwood Walmart had amazing support from the community, exceeding the original goal of 50 backpacks. The supplies were recently dropped off at The Salvation Army Collingwood Community Church and will be handed out on September 1. About $1,400 in cash was also donated to purchase much-needed items.

“With three kids, I know how tough it can be to buy back to school supplies. After speaking with The Salvation Army, I decided to fundraise for backpacks and school supplies on my own,” Ashley says.

Demand for backpacks at The Salvation Army in Collingwood increased this year, with 137 children on the list for supplies, so Ashley’s efforts came at a perfect time to help students and families in need. Glowing Hearts, a Barrie-based charity, also donated an additional 41 backpacks to The Salvation Army in Collingwood to help ensure no one goes without.

“Ashley is paying it forward and we appreciate it to no end. Our families will have one less pressure at this time of year because of her generously,” says Kim Stubbington with The Salvation Army Collingwood Community and Family Services.

Donations of Kleenex, binders, BPA-free water bottles, lunch bags and bento boxes are still needed and can be dropped off at Collingwood Community Church at 162 Ste. Marie Street before September 1.

“The Salvation Army does its absolute best to make sure that people in the community don’t go without. And that’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to donate to them. I’ve had such a positive experience dealing with the staff. I couldn’t think of anyone better to give the donations to,” Ashley says.

A huge thanks to Ashley Plewes, Glowing Hearts and Collingwood Walmart for your partnership with The Salvation Army Collingwood Community Church.