The City of Wetaskiwin's employee social club is partnering with the Salvation Army and the Wetaskiwin FCSS on a school supply drive this summer.
With everyday costs rising and back to school fast approaching, some lucky families in Wetaskiwin will benefit from receiving backpacks stuffed with school supplies.
“I just hope we can make a little bit of a difference," says Jessica Caroll, vice president of the City's employee social club. "Even if we can only make a few families' back to school a little bit easier, as a mom of six, I know how that is.”
There are four drop off locations across the city where community members can contribute supplies. Every location also has a school supply list provided by the local school board for the various age groups. Organizers are collecting supplies for students in kindergarten, grades one to three, grades four to six, and for grades seven to eight.
“Out of those four lists, I would love to see at least three to four backpacks for each one of those lists. That’s kind of our goal," says Caroll.
Donations of new or gently used supplies such as notebooks, pencils and crayons are deeply appreciated but there is also a real need for backpacks. The bags themselves are often one of the most expensive items on any back to school list.
From August 1-12, community members are encouraged to drop off supplies at the Wetaskiwin City Hall, the Manluk Centre, the Wetaskiwin Public Library, or the FCSS during regular business hours. On August 13, the organizers of the drive will put the supplies together into filled backpacks and then drop them off at the Salvation Army.
According to Caroll, "if families are in need or having a hard time to get their kids ready and have enough school supplies, they can reach out to the Salvation Army any time after August 15 and Salvation Army will be able to help from there."
All of the packs will be distributed to local families in need as a way to give back to the community. Caroll says that this drive is possible only through the hard work and dedication of the social club committee, as well as the local community partners.
