Backpacks for School

Carmen Saltarelli – General Manager Staples Ancaster, Major Byron Jacobs and Tracy Hyland – Ancaster Store Manager Sleep Country Canada, gather at Meadowlands shopping centre to collect backpacks and school supplies.

An influx of calls to The Salvation Army has necessitated some action to respond to an increased demand for school supplies to help parents and children preparing to go back to school. Shirley Molloy, Director of the organization’s food bank in Dundas, notes that

Going back to school is an important time in every child’s life. It’s hard for families who are struggling to get by to provide the extra needed basics for school. We need to provide the necessary tools to help equip the children in our community to make the most of their education.

Staples office supply store in the Meadowlands has helped with a generous donation to help The Salvation Army with the purchase of more than 200 backpacks. During the past few days Staples staff have been packing the backpacks which are to be distributed this week. Sleep Country Canada continues to accept backpacks and school supplies that are being distributed by The Salvation Army. Staff have challenged eachother to purchase and fill backpacks as well.

We are trying to gather all our resources possible to meet the need that is before us says Major Byron Jacobs, Director of Public Relations. “Despite the response we have had so far, The Army like other agencies in the area, will be inundated with requests and we know that the demand will, much likely be greater than the supply at this point.

The Salvation Army is asking for help from anyone who can help donate a backpack or school supplies. There are drop off points in all Sleep Country Canada locations, all Hamilton and Burlington full time fire stations, and any Salvation Army location.