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By Shane Clausing

tools 4 school

United Way Alberta Northwest begins drive for Tools 4 School program

Jul 12, 2020 | 7:00 AM

The United Way Northwest Alberta is asking the Grande Prairie community for help as it kicks off its Tools 4 School program.

Over the months of July and August, the United Way is collecting school supplies, gift cards and cash donations from members in the community, so they can attempt to fill backpacks which will be used for families and kids that might not be able to afford supplies.

Joanne Cousins with the United Way says that this program continues to grow throughout the community.

“We are expecting to assemble probably 1,000 backpacks this year, the number has gone up steadily every year. Last year it blew our minds how many (backpacks) we got in. The number doubled, if not more from the year before.

“We expect with COVID and everything going on that the need might even be a little bit higher this year.”

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Those who are interested in donating are asked to donate the essential school supplies like pencils, pens, crayons, binders, and paper.

Part of the success for the Tools 4 School program has been its Stuff A Bus program, which this year is being hosted at Staples in Grande Prairie on August 25.

“Essentially what happens that day is Staples brings out all of the supplies that they’re donating and that have been donated through the store. Then we invite people to drop by with any drives that they did and essentially we just stuff the bus full of all the supplies and we take it to where we go to assemble the backpacks.”

The United Way is also encouraging workplaces throughout the city to get involved and donate supplies by starting a supply drive or collecting donations throughout July and August.

Those interested in applying for a backpack from the program can do so by emailing the United Way Alberta Northwest (communications@unitedwayabnw.org) to see if your child is eligible. Backpacks are available for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

People that are interested in donating items for the backpacks, but cannot make it to the Stuff A Bus on August 25, can drop items off at the United Way’s office in Grande Prairie (213-11330 106 Street).

The United Way asks that anyone who is dropping off any supplies at the office to please make an appointment to do so before as the building is under strict COVID-19 protocols.