Dozens of backpacks have been filled with school supplies for children in need at the United Way.
Operation Backpacks has been an annual campaign in the Chatham-Kent community since 2001, providing local children with new backpacks and school supplies. United Way held its packing event Monday morning to get the backpacks ready for the start of the school year.
Operation Backpacks 2017 at United Way Chatham. August 28, 2017. (Photo by Sarah Cowan Blackburn News Chatham-Kent).
Good Neighbours Coordinator Mary Symons says over 20 volunteers showed up to help with Operation Backpacks, speeding up the process significantly.
"I love Chatham-Kent. They always come together for whatever is it is that's needed. Together, we make an impact," says Symons.
Symons says the backpacks were filled in about two hours, compared to two days in previous years.
She says the program was created to alleviate the stress on parents to afford these expensive materials.
"It's essential for the youth within our community, our children, our grandchildren, to have these supplies so they can go to school... these are the youth of tomorrow. Many of them stay within Chatham and become our Chathamites of tomorrow and we need to make sure they have every opportunity in front of them," explains Symons.
Symons says the backpacks will be delivered to local schools, as well as both the Tilbury and Wallaceburg Information and Help Centres, beginning on Wednesday.