The United Way of Chatham-Kent is getting ready to distribute 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies to children who might otherwise be ill equipped to return to school.
Good Neighbour Coordinator Mary Symons says it takes a small army to get them ready and they have carefully assessed the need.
"The referrals that were sent out in May to the students, as well as individuals who have called in, as well organizations in the community have reached out to their clients and have forwarded the information," she says. "If your child is in kindergarten they will receive their backpack, crayons, glue stick, their scissors . If you child is in grade eight they'll have a binder, divider, lined paper, duo tangs, exercise books, there will be pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculator, math sets."
A group of volunteers will start delivering them to schools Wednesday, and area help centres will also be distributing them directly to parents who have made appointments.