The United Way of Bruce Grey needs your help for its annual backpack program.
Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn tells us donations are down so far this year and they have a list of over 18 hundred kids who have asked for back to school items.
Dobbyn blames new Ministry of Education guidelines for a drop in donations.
The guidelines state the cost of materials and activities required for students to complete the core curriculum are the responsibility of school boards.
But school officials are still asking parents to send their children to school with basic supplies — like pens, paper, crayons.
The United Way is holding a ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign and will be collecting items at Staples in Owen Sound on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Dobbyn says you can also make donations inside Staples and at Meridian Credit Union branches — whether its money or pens, crayons or calculators.
Dobbyn says their program has helped stop the bullying of kids who normally can not afford school supplies.
She also points out their backpack provides an emotional lift to students and relieves the stress on parents.
If low income families still need help with back to school items — they can sign up for the backpack program by calling 2-1-1.
The program is for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
The United Way will also be at Kids Day at the Salmon Spectacular on Sunday where they will try to ‘Stuff A Canoe’ with school items.
