The 2013-2014 school year got underway today at both Sundre schools.
Back to school means shopping for new outfits, backpacks, lunchboxes and a variety of school supplies.
These items can add up fast, according to Cindy DeSmit, program coordinator for Greenwood Neighbourhood Place (GNP).
In an effort to alleviate some of the expenses during this time, GNP is running a program to collect school supplies and financial donations from members of the community.
“Tools for School is a program that collects much needed school supplies from donations from our community members,” said DeSmit, adding that this is the eighth year that GNP has run the program.
“What this program does is it offers assistance in the financial burdens of buying school supplies each year, as the students advance in grade,” she explained.
There are drop bins set up at GNP as well as Bargain Browser, Pharmasave and the Sundre Community Drug Mart.
“We accept anything from crayons, pencils and pens, to financial donations, which helps us purchase more specific items, like the high school calculators that are needed, or gym shoes,” she explained.
The program is for students of both River Valley School and Sundre High School. School wellness workers Ryan Sande (SHS) and Chantal Day-Miko (RVS) determine which students to provide for. Also, parents of students are able to call DeSmit if they would like to receive supplies from the program.
“We work together as partners to make sure that the supply lists are filled and the students have what they need to have a successful year,” said DeSmit.
The program started at the end of July and will run until mid-September. However, financial donations are accepted year round.
