More than 140 students received a backpack full of school supplies during a drive-thru back-to-school event Sept. 2 in Abbotsford.
The Kids Tools for School campaign, held at the Salvation Army’s Cascade Community Church, also provided a $50 gift card and a sweet treat for each student.
The families registered for the backpacks through the agency’s Family Services Program at the Centre of Hope.
The campaign was sponsored by local businesses 107.1 Country, Zacharias & Vickers LLP, Murray GM, Tim Hortons on Whatcom Road and Sumas Way, and the Heart to Heart education committee.
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The goal was to help 125 students from kindergarten to Grade 12, but the number of donations enabled 142 students from 64 families to receive the backpacks.
“This was an increase of 43 students from 2019. Families are finding it harder to make ends meet and we are so honoured to be able to provide them with this gift,” said Kim Hissink, fundraising coordinator for the local Salvation Army.
The Family Services Program provides emergency hampers, ID replacement, rent subsidies, referrals to community resources, shelter, community food carts and many other services.
Visit centreofhope.net for more information.
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