Donations are being accepted at the Salvation Army for Operation Fill-a-Backpack. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

back to school

School supplies wanted for Operation Fill-a-Backpack

Jul 30, 2019 | 3:00 PM

With the month of August right around the corner, many are thinking about back to school.

Partners to End Poverty (PEP) and the Salvation Army are gathering school supplies to help those who are in need ahead of the new school year.

‘Operation Fill-a-Backpack’ is into its fifth year and is well utilized in the northeast.

Jennifer Robins with the Melfort Salvation Army said the project is very important for student’s success.

“Not to have to choose between school supplies or food or rent or other things, we want to take that burden off of families,” Robins said.

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The backpacks will be distributed on August 21, so Robins said they are asking anyone who would like to make donations of school supplies to drop them off at the store before that date. Donations of cash will also be accepted with new or lightly used supplies.

Those wishing to apply to receive a backpack will need to do so before August 9.

School supplies are being accepted at the Melfort, Tisdale, and Nipawin thrift stores.

“It affects families whether there is one child or four or if you are starting school in kindergarten or high school – everyone needs supplies and it’s always important to have the things you need for success,” Robins said.

The program can be a way to give back and pay it forward according to Robins.

“Even just support of even five bucks can really help us make a difference for a family today,” she said.

Last year, around 300 backpacks were distributed in the area.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser