Last Thursday, children and their parents stopped by Yonge Street Mission to choose from among the over new 600 backpacks filled with school supplies so kindly donated by local churches and businesses. 

This was twice the number of backpacks and school supplies donated compared with previous years, and every single backpack was needed and distributed in a day!  

Each summer, YSM organizes a back-to-school backpack drive to ensure that children and youth in the communities we serve, from JK through to the first year of university, will be able to start the new school year feeling confident and equipped with the supplies they need. At YSM, Backpack Day is filled with excitement and anticipation as children visit us to make their choices. And, as parents face rising prices, our backpack giveaway provides relief and practical support for struggling families.

“Imagine school resuming, and you can’t afford a school bag for your child because of other priorities, especially groceries. I’m so grateful, thank you!” said a parent of a backpack recipient. 

One 7-year-old girl, who will be a new Grade 2 student in September, said, “I’m so happy I have a new school bag for my new class! Thank you!”

Providing back-to-school supplies has a profound impact on the emotions and experience of all the children who receive them . . . from excitement and anticipation to a sense of belonging and feeling empowered and cared for. Thank you to all who donated!