For many kids, it's one of their favourite events of the year - buying school supplies. However, for some families, finding the money to ensure the kids have everything they need for their education is becoming an increasingly difficult task.
With that in mind, the Estevan Salvation Army and local Staples store have partnered on a promotion to help those families. Until Sept. 9, Staples is collecting donations at their store on King Street and have set a goal of raising $2,500 in 2013.
Under the program, anyone making a purchase at Staples will be asked if they wish to donate to the drive. Staples will also accept supplies.
In the meantime, the Salvation Army is inviting parents to come to their location and register their children. They will take the names confidentially and pass along the pertinent information to Staples who will divide the money proportionately to the children in the form of gift cards.
Heather Menser, the sales manager for the Estevan Staples location, said they are excited to be involved with the Salvation Army.
"They have the connections with the families that need it the most," she said.
Lieutenant Brian Bobolo of the Salvation Army said this is a much-needed program as many families in Estevan struggle to make ends meet.
"Back to School is actually a very expensive time for young families throughout the year when you are buying clothes and school supplies and still trying to make the rent," Bobolo said. "We know that we have many food bank clients and shelter clients that have children and they are struggling in many ways, and we can only imagine that quite a few of them will be eager to take part in a program like this."
Like anything else, the cost of school supplies are on the rise and the needs of today's students continue to grow.
Menser said a display backpack that included all the items needed for the average Grade 3 student was roughly $85. She added that as kids gets older the needs and costs increase.
"When you get into the higher grades, you'll see the lists have definitely evolved. I have been with the company for just over six years now and the lists have evolved technology wise. Now we are seeing iPads on the list, USB drives are on the list; headphones and things like that.
"A family of four, I would say their average cart is close to $500 or $600."
This is the first year the Estevan Salvation Army and Staples have partnered on the program. However, Bobolo said the two groups have been involved on a national level for years.
