Community giveaway helps families tackle back-to-school costs

This year, she noticed particularly strong demand from high school students, which worked out well because many of the donated items were suited for older grades.

(Image Credit: Chelsey Gladue/ submitted)

But beyond the numbers, Gladue said the giveaway showed just how much a few donated supplies can mean to a family heading into the school year.

One woman with five children told Gladue she was between jobs and waiting for employment insurance or assistance.

“She said that when she seen my post, it brought her to tears because she didn’t know how she would even get her children school supplies this year and even just enough to get them started. So that was really heartwarming.”

Another caregiver, who is raising eight grandchildren, also came looking for supplies.

“She needed school supplies for all of them and she’s on pension and she’s not getting their child tax yet. So this was a big help to her as well.”

(Image Credit: Chelsey Gladue/ submitted)

Gladue said the giveaway was a reminder that back-to-school shopping can look very different for every family. For some, a binder or package of supplies might simply be another item on a shopping list. For others, it can mean one less expense to worry about.

By the end of the giveaway, only about 20 hard binders remained. Some were dropped off at Sakewew High School, while the rest will be offered to John Paul II Collegiate for students who need them.

Gladue estimated the total value of this year’s donations at about $1,500. The selection also looked a little different from last year, with fewer backpacks and shoes but more general school supplies. Many of this year’s items were gently used, compared with more new donations at last year’s event.

“It was nice to see the families and the kids all excited,” she said. “I look forward to doing it next year.”

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Community giveaway helps families tackle back-to-school costs

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