As the return of school inches closer, the push is on to collect enough supplies so every student in the London-area can return to the classroom with the tools needed to succeed.
Classic Rock 98.1, Preferred Insurance, and the Real Canadian Superstore have once again teamed up with the Thames Valley Education Foundation, the Salvation Army, and the United Way for the eighth annual Rock Back to School campaign.
The back-to-school charity drive encourages the public to donate new school supplies for the Best First Day program. Those supplies are stuffed into backpacks and distributed in time for the first day of school to children in need within the Thames Valley District School Board, the London District Catholic School Board, and local Indigenous communities.
"These supplies are going to go a long way to help each individual child to feel that they have the tools to succeed, to feel that they are on equal footing with their peers, and are a springboard to thrive in the school environment, especially when normally their families wouldn't be able to afford supplies," said Salvation Army Centre of Hope Program Coordinator of Community and Family Services Rebecca Thiessen.
Last year, 3,800 backpacks full of school supplies were handed out and this year it is believed the need will be even greater.
"We all know this year there are so many more families that are struggling that are currently facing crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Thiessen. "So, we are hoping that the community is going to see this need and really get behind us to donate school supplies and backpacks."
Items needed include backpacks, scientific calculators, binders, pens, pencils, markers, paper, lunch bags, and reusable water bottles. Donations can be dropped off until August 27 at the Thames Valley District School Board Education Centre at 1250 Dundas St., local libraries, the Salvation Army Centre of Hope on Wellington Street, and at the St. Thomas Police headquarters building at 45 Caso Crossing in St. Thomas. Real Canadian Superstores in London have also set up drop-off bins for donations.
Staff and volunteers assembling the backpacks will be following public health guidelines to protect against COVID-19, including wearing masks and sanitizing hands frequently.
"The backpacks are going to be quarantined for several days before they are distributed to schools," added Thiessen. "If a donor or the community has a concern about that we want to reassure we are taking all measures possible to keep everyone as safe as we can."
Those unable to make it to the store to purchase items for the charity drive can also make a financial donation at bestfirstday.ca.
Principals at each of the region’s schools will be in charge of handing out the supply-filled backpacks to students. Any family in need of assistance is urged to contact their school office or principal.
Kids return to the classroom on September 8.
