For most students going back to school is an exciting time filled with the knowledge that brand new school supplies will soon be in their hands.
For some less fortunate students this can be a stressful time as they arrive at school ill equipped for their educational opportunity.
To make sure as many children as possible are ready for class, the School Supply Drive takes place at Staples until Sept. 12.
Staples Canada has partnered with the Salvation Army to get the much-needed items to the children who need it most.
As part of the fundraising efforts Staples Canada tellers ask their patrons to donate to the cause and all money raised in Prince George stays in the community.
Staples has held the School Supply Drive for the last 13 years and has raised more than $14 million across the country. This year's national goal is $1.7 million.
Two years ago more than $9,800 was raised locally and last year about $7,300 was raised for local children.
Within the Staples store located at Parkwood Place, staff has held bake sales and made it a mission to ask all customers to donate to the cause.
Neil Hodgson, general manager, said he's got one dedicated-to-the-cause staffer who raises about $100 a day by just being tenacious with her customers.
"If the staff didn't do what they do, we wouldn't get near as much," Hodgson said.
"It's really great to see. At the present time about $5,000 has been raised. The goal is to raise $10,000, so we're halfway there."
Other ways to contribute are to purchase a tote bag that says 'We Care' on it, lip balm and post-it notes.
"The tote bags are really popular," Hodgson said.
There's also a silent auction table featuring a variety of items at the front of the store where 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the local fundraising campaign.
"It's a great campaign and customers are really receptive to it," Hodgson said.
Along with the donations of supplies to the Salvation Army for the backpacks, the local Staples also donates to inner-city schools that have a higher population of children in need.
"I'll deliver a box or two of assorted school supplies so they can use those as they want," Hodgson said.
To get the school supplies into the children's hands, it's been a collaborative effort.
Telus has generously provided 400 backpacks filled with basic supplies, then the Salvation Army takes it to the next level and fills the backpacks with supplies provided by Staples according to the class lists that are specific to each grade's needs. School District 57 then takes the backpacks to make sure those who need them, get them.
Those in need can call the Salvation Army to apply for a backpack or visit the Aboriginal Education Department at Suite 102,
155 McDermid Drive, or students can wait until school starts and ask the youth care worker or Aboriginal education worker at their school to get one.
For more information call the Salvation Army at 250-564-4000.
