There's something wonderful about a new backpack, markers lined in a colourful box and crisp white paper.
However, with the financial strain that low-income families are under, not every parent can afford new school supplies for their children. In fact, the need across Simcoe County has never been greater.
Thankfully Glowing Hearts Charity's (GHC) program Backpacks for Youth is coming to the rescue, but they are in need of more financial donations.
The organization was prepared to fill and deliver 2,000 backpacks to low-income families, but registrations topped that number kept on coming in until GHC closed registration after 2,630 applications.
"Last year we didn't have a closing date," said Sarah Fleming, the volunteer managing director and board chair for GHC.
"There is an increase in need with families struggling financially, especially with the increased cost of food and I'm sure that awareness of our program could also be a factor," said Fleming, a teacher with the Simcoe County District School Board.
Last year, Backpacks for Youth was also fundraising for 2,000 and they ended up serving 2,054 students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12.
For the last three years, the Penetanguishene Lions Club has donated funds and provided the service of filling and distributing backpacks.
"Last Tuesday (Aug. 13) we helped pack over 200 backpacks for various grades and schools and we picked up 200 to be delivered into our area and delivered them," said James Brown, president of the Club.
Twelve Lions did the packing, up from eight last year and six in 2022. The club donated $1,000 this year, $1,000 last year and $500 in 2022.
Of the approximately 200 back packs, 145 of them went to the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre to be distributed to their clients who had applied online, said Brown.
About 34 were delivered to applicant's homes in Midland and the rest to homes in Tay Township and Penetanguishene. Brown delivered the last two on Aug. 20.
"They were so thankful. Both of the kids loved them," Brown said.
Fleming said, "We're so grateful they have volunteered for this program for the past three years."
But, she added that 362 children and youth in north Simcoe County are getting filled backpacks.
The fundraising goal for the program is $105,200, but they have only raised about $20,000 of that.
"It's still a way off. We fortunately had supplies from last year that we purchased on sale, but we've had to tap into our budget for next year to cover the needs this year."
A filled backpack costs the organization between $35 to $45. While the price of just a backpack can easily be more, this price is kept low through bulk purchasing and donations through the supply drive.
Every child gets a personalized backpack in his or her favourite colour while each grade designation, ie junior, intermediate, senior and secondary school gets a different but specific set of supplies. The juniors' kit contains a lunch bag and water bottle, while secondary students get a scientific calculator.
"This approach not only boosts their confidence but also ensures cost-efficiency and maximum impact," said Fleming.
It's very important for all children to arrive at school with the basic tools they need to participate in their education, she said.
"When children lack essential supplies, it can create barriers to learning and disadvantage them compared to their peers."
Plus, getting a backpack allows parents with limited resources to spend their money on essential needs, such as food.
Having the right supplies helps students feel prepared and confident and contributes to a more positive school experience and better mental health, said Fleming.
While this year's backpacks have been distributed, it's not too late to make a financial donation or a donation of supplies at one of the drop off locations.
Donations can be made through the website: glowingheartscharity.org.
Drop off locations are in Barrie, Bradford, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Huntsville, Innisfil, Midland, Orillia, Oro-Medonte Twp., Tiny Twp. and Wasaga Beach including all Simcoe Muskoka Family Connextions offices and many Starbucks locations.
In Midland, drop off locations include the Connexions office at 741 Yonge St., units 7 and 8, Starbucks at 9281 County Rd. 93 and in Tiny Township at Clearly Clean Vents at 56 Maryjane Rd.
