BACKPACKS FOR KIDS
What is Backpacks for Kids?
This program provides children and youth from low-income households with the needed items for a successful school year.
Distributed through schools and community agencies, Backpacks for Kids provide kids and teens the opportunity to share the common experience of their peers – one of excitement for the new school year – while alleviating the financial burden for families.
Together, we have distributed 52,500 backpacks and kits since 2002.
Every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed
This program is run separately from United Way’s annual campaign and as such, donations are vital to supporting the ongoing requests for backpacks. Each year we distribute more than 2,400 full backpacks across Niagara through elementary and secondary schools as well as agencies.
Thanks to strong partnerships and volume discounts, we are able to purchase supplies in bulk at a lower cost. Our backpacks have an approximate retail value of $75 but the cost to United Way is just $15 per fully stocked bag.
Donate now
Supplies Included:
- Backpack
- Lunch Bag
- Water Bottle
Calculator
- Pencils
Pens
- Pencil Crayons
- Eraser
- Pencil Case
- Pencil Sharpener
We know that better is possible. With your help we can ensure kids have everything they need to succeed.
How to get involved
Donate to the program directly or organize your own school supply and backpacks collection drive. While our program runs once per year, we often get requests throughout the year for children in the community. Contact [email protected] for more information on running your own drive.
2024 Backpacks For Kids Sponsors
Title Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
- Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1263
- Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 151
- Dayle Redekop
- Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Niagara Occasional Teachers
- Neob Lavender
- Niagara Regional Labour Council
- Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, OECTA Niagara Elementary Unit
- Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation Niagara District 22
- RM Bookkeeping & Accounting Services
- Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise
- Unifor Local 199, Retirees, Young workers Committee
Program Testimonials
“Backpacks for Kids is more than merely giving a child a bag of school supplies. It’s a bag packed with compassion, hope, and a world of possibilities.”
“Thanks to Backpacks for Kids, I was able to give my daughter everything she needs for school. It was a huge relief for me and family. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you guys.”