Backpacks, lunch bags, pens, pencils, rulers, math sets, markers, crayons, scientific calculators, pencil cases – these supplies are always needed. If possible, gender neutral colours encouraged and labels indicating grade on dropped off supplies – this will make sorting and distribution easier.
Monetary donations are also needed to help fill the gaps and buy supplies that may not be donated.
It is estimated that for basic supplies (a backpack, lunch bag, binders, pens, pencils, and a calculator), the cost per student ranges from $200 to $300 for school supplies. With rising costs and inflation, the need for support is high again this year.
Click the links below to donate.
Organized by the United Way KFL&A, working closely with agencies and businesses, the program ensures that families with children have all they need for another successful school year. In 2023:
Once supplies are collected, volunteers will start packing backpacks mid-August for distribution through agencies and schools before the new school year begins.
Agency Partners
Addiction & Mental Health Services – KFL&A
Elizabeth Fry Society
Family & Children Services of Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington
Food Sharing Project
Home Base Housing – Lily’s Place Family Shelter, One Roof Youth Services, RISE@one4nine
Pathways to Education
KEYS Job Centre – Refugee Children and Youth Enhanced Integration Program
Kingston Interval House – Emergency Shelter and Robin’s Hope Transitional Housing
Kingston Immigration Partnership
Kingston Youth Shelter – Shelter & Transitional Homes
Lionhearts
Maltby Centre
Metis Nation of Ontario – Healthy Babies Program
Partners In Mission Food Bank
Rural Frontenac Community Services
Salvation Army, Napanee
Southern Frontenac Community Services
Tipi Moza
Youth Diversion Program
Individuals looking for supplies are asked to register with one of the agencies above or contact their school principal or board office (Note: this only applies for Limestone District School Board and Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board students).
Corporate Sponsors
Telus
“For kids who struggle in life, you want to do whatever little thing you can to help them. And it might be as easy as a backpack of school supplies. It might be as easy as a lunchbox. It allows students to associate a fresh start with the new school year.”
