School supply donations needed
By Theodora MacLeod - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 16, 2023.
In an effort to start the school year off right, Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge, in conjunction with My City Care, YMCA of Lethbridge, and the Lethbridge Food Bank, is collecting donations for Ready, Set, Go! 2023.With the ongoing economic struggles many families are facing, the need for school supplies and healthy snacks is increasing. Local support organizations are asking the community for assistance in providing supplies to ensure all Lethbridge and area students start the academic year strong.
“Getting your kids ready for back to school can be an expensive time of year, especially with multiple children in a family,” says Amy Granger who works in fund development for the Interfaith Food Bank. “Donations are low right now and the need is high.”
Some of the items most needed include:
-Calculators
-Graph paper
-Washable markers
-Pencil Crayons
-Glue Sticks
-Scissors
-Permanent markers
-Pens
-Dividers
-Highlighters.
While they had originally aimed to help 1600 students, Granger says they expect to surpass the original goal. “We really need the community’s support,” she explains. The majority of registrants are from Lethbridge, however registrations from surrounding areas, such as Coalhurst and Coaldale have come in as well.
In addition to school supplies, the food bank is seeking healthy snacks such as granola bars, fruit cups, juice boxes, and fresh produce.
According to The Social Health Equity Network of Lethbridge and Area, children aged zero to five are the most likely to experience poverty, and in 2019, approximately 15.2 per cent of youth were living in low-income housing.
Donations for Ready, Set, Go! can be dropped off directly at the food banks, My City Care, or YMCA by August 18, and will be distributed through the Back to School Fair.
“We hope to ensure all children have what they need to start the school year off right,” Granger says. 2
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