For some Collingwood families, rising costs mean that they might struggle to outfit their kids with everything they need for school this September.
There's help for families in Collingwood thanks to an annual initiative.
Collingwood’s annual backpack drive is gearing up for another summer, with Collingwood mom Ashley Plewes leading the charge in collaboration with the Collingwood Salvation Army, hoping to bring in at least 50 backpacks for students in need. Multiple dates are planned for the drive throughout the month of August.
“Being a mom to three kids, I know what it’s like having to buy all these school supplies,” said Plewes. “A simple backpack and supplies can cost upwards of $60. It’s so costly nowadays.”
This marks the second year Plewes has run the drive. She said she’s had close friends reach out directly this year already, to inquire about getting a backpack.
“They’re so afraid to admit it. We struggle too,” she said.
Last year, the Collingwood Salvation Army’s waiting list reached 137 families before it closed. Last year, Plewes managed to bring in 110 backpacks and $2,100 in gift card/monetary donations to the drive.
“I would like to beat it, but if I could at least reach 50 backpacks, that’s where I’m aiming,” she said. “We had so many people donate last year. We have a great community and people pull together really well.”
People interested in donating can choose to purchase items at Walmart, provide a monetary or gift card donation, or donate items they bring in themselves. Plewes says that while items for younger kids are always donated in droves, they are especially in need of backpacks and items for older kids in high school.
Items needed include backpacks (plain preferred), lunch bags, reusable water bottles, markers, pens, and pencils.
“Calculators are in big demand because of the new cell-phone ban in schools,” she said.
Plewes is also looking for special guests and volunteer to come help out on any of the August dates.
“It would help with the advertising and promotion,” she said.
Plewes will be outside the Collingwood Dollar Tree on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and outside the Collingwood Walmart on Aug. 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting donations.
If you’re unavailable to attend on those donation dates, Plewes can also pick up items in town. If you’d like to arrange a donation pick up or volunteer your time to the drive, contact Plewes at [email protected] or call 705-441-6472.
All proceeds will be given to the Collingwood Salvation Army to assist families in need on their backpack waitlist this year, and will provide a tax receipt for any monetary donation.
If you are a family in need, contact the Collingwood Salvation Army to be added to the waiting list for a backpack.
