The Estevan Salvation Army is once again holding its annual backpack campaign to help low-income families prepare for the start of the upcoming school year.
The program will run in a similar fashion to past years. In an email, community services worker Jane-Anne Ireland said this program is to help offset the costs that parents in lower income families face at this time of the year.
However, the Salvation Army asks that everyone remember they do not and cannot supply all of the school supplies that the students will need.
“A backpack and many other items will be provided … ready for pick up on a designated day,” the Salvation Army said in an email. “Those that have filled out an application will be let know when that date will be.”
Items that may be found within the backpack, depending on the grade of the recipient, include loose leaf paper, one-inch or two-inch binders, white erasers, a ruler, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, duotangs, exercise books, dividers, glue sticks and a pencil case
Applications have been available at the Salvation Army’s family services office since July 13. The deadline to apply is Aug. 14. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In 2018, the Salvation Army was able to fill 45 backpacks. That number soared to 115 backpacks in 2019 for families who needed help with school supplies.
