Back to School with a Boost

Nancy is grateful because, for the first time, her two elementary-aged children will receive backpacks filled with school supplies from The Salvation Army Cambridge Citadel. This helps ensure her children are on an even playing field with their peers.

“The list of supplies that parents have to buy for their kids to be prepared at school gets longer as the years progress, and getting supplies for school from The Salvation Army backpack program makes a difference,” Nancy explains.

Without the support, Nancy says she would have to rely on friends or family or divert funds from her food budget to cover the cost of school supplies for her children, who cherish the backpacks.

“I’ve always taught them to be grateful for whatever they receive. They both understand and appreciate it, and they know how expensive life is,” she adds. “It’s a fantastic program that doesn’t just help me—it helps many people.”

This year in Cambridge, 400 students will receive new backpacks filled with school supplies from The Salvation Army to kick off the 2024-2025 school year. Captain Darren Woods, corps officer at Cambridge Citadel, notes that the local demand is rising due to the increased cost of living.

“The current economy makes it challenging for those we assist to decide between putting food on the table and purchasing school supplies,” Captain Woods explains. “The Salvation Army provides backpacks for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 to ensure kids return to class with the necessities to have the best possible experience. Last year, we provided 325 backpacks to students and families in need.”

Despite the growing need, Captain Woods assures that Cambridge Citadel will have enough backpacks and supplies to meet demand, thanks to partnerships with Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs and generous public donations.

For those interested in contributing, you are encouraged to drop off monetary donations or school supplies at 63 Water St. South in Cambridge. Donations can also be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.