Photo supplied by Classic Rock 98.1Photo supplied by Classic Rock 98.1
London

Residents asked to help kids 'Rock Back To School'

In a matter of weeks, kids will be heading back to school in the London region and it's hoped that all of them will have the supplies they need.

That's why residents of the region are being asked to be generous with donations of backpacks and other school supplies. The Thames Valley Education Foundation, United Way, and The Salvation Army are again collecting donations as part of the "Best First Day" campaign.

The campaign aims to make sure that every student in the region has what they need for the beginning of classes. This year's campaign is once again being aided by the "Rock Back To School" event put on by Classic Rock 98.1 and partners Preferred Insurance and the Real Canadian Superstore.

Donated items, such as lunchboxes, calculators, pens, pencil crayons, paper, and binders are collected and then put inside of donated backpacks by volunteers and distributed to kids in need within the Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic School Board.

"Our listeners have always been very generous with the Rock Back To School campaign, and we're certainly confident that they will be this year as well," said Classic Rock 98.1 Program Director Dan Wylie.

According to the United Way Elgin Middlesex, the 2021 Best First Day campaign saw nearly 3,200 backpacks given out to students in the area. It's expected more will be needed this year.

In addition to donated items, the campaign is also offering the opportunity to give from the comfort of your home. A link on the website allows people to "purchase" supplies virtually by making online donations.

Donated items can be dropped at several locations. Those locations can be found here.

Donations are being accepted until September 2. The deadline will allow volunteers to assemble the supply-filled backpacks and get them to students before the first day of school.

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