The back-to-school Supply Drive that sees the Salvation Army teaming up with Staples to provide necessary school supplies for children who might require assistance in obtaining all the educational tools, has been a success in the past. The partners are trusting it will be again this year.
"This is the second year we have teamed up locally," said Staples store manager Joan Brittenhouse, referring to the barbecue and bake sale being held Aug. 23 and Aug. 30 at the store just off King Street, to advance the project.
She and Estevan's Salvation Army Lieut. Brian Bobolo explained that when customers and visitors donate money or products those values are converted into gift cards that are taken to the Salvation Army in Estevan. The Army then adjudicates applicants who go there and the deserving students, with their required supply lists, then visit Staples to pick up what they need to start a new academic year in early September.
Last year just over $2,100 was collected through the in-store donations and events and that was topped up to $2,500 by an Estevan Rotary Club donation to ensure that no request needed to go unfilled.
"We had 25 families, representing 60 to 65 children apply last year and we had enough funds to cover all the needs," said Bobolo. "Staples and the Army have been Canadian partners in this plan for over 15 years, so we're pleased to see the new Estevan store take it on."
Bobolo was accompanied by the Army's mascot Sally Ann. He and Brittenhouse said they had not set any targets for this year's drive, but simply hoped it would surpass last year's effort by a little bit, allowing them to accommodate an expected increases in applications.
"Donations to this project can be made at the Salvation Army downtown as well," said Bobolo, "and we're able to give them a tax receipt if they need one."
The Salvation Army officer went on to note that it's another example of giving the community an opportunity by "helping us, help our own."
Brittenhouse said the young people using the program generally require only essential items such as binders, pens, pencils and general school supply items. "We make sure they get a little flash as well," she added with a smile. "And we run sales in concert with the drive so they get a better bang for the buck."
"The families reported they found what they needed from the school lists, so we were able to cover all the requests last school year," said Bobolo.
