United Way collecting donations of backpacks, school supplies and funds to set students up for success
KINGSTON, ON (July 17, 2026) – With the latest school year in the books, it’s never too early to start preparing for the next. While back-to-school season is filled with excitement and anticipation, it can also bring stress and uncertainty for families who may be struggling.
United Way KFL&A coordinates the Backpack Program across our region, gathering donations from individuals, businesses, and workplaces. The program works with schools (JK-12) and local child and youth serving agencies across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington to distribute backpacks and supplies and ensure children and families in need can start the school year ready and supported.
In 2025, thanks to the community’s generosity and support, over 1,800 children and youth started the school year with supplies and backpacks.
“It never ceases to amaze me how much the impact of new backpacks has on the youth we support,” said Shawn Quigley, Executive Director, Youth Diversion. “One might think that a teenager wouldn’t see the value in a backpack, but that can’t be further from the truth. We have teens who see the backpacks as a fresh start to their school year.”
It is estimated that for basic supplies (a backpack, lunch bag, water bottle, binders, pens, pencils, and a calculator), the cost per student ranges from $200 to $300. With continued rising costs and inflation, the need for support is expected to continue growing this year.
“The rising cost of living continues to put pressure on many individuals and families across KFL&A,” said John DiPaolo, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “We’re asking our community to come together to support local children and youth. Whether it’s adding a few extra school supplies to your cart while shopping or making a financial contribution, every act of generosity helps ensure children and families have the tools and support they need to thrive.”
Once supplies are collected, volunteers will start packing backpacks mid-August for distribution through agencies and schools before the new school year begins.
The most needed school supplies include backpacks, lunch bags, scientific calculators, math sets, pens, pencils, rulers, markers and coloured pencils. Gender-neutral colours are encouraged wherever possible and help to match supplies with students more easily, ensuring every child feels included and supported. Monetary donations are also important and encouraged as United Way KFL&A works with community partners to purchase supplies at a lower cost, ensuring donations go even further.
For a full list of recommended items by age group, or to donate monetarily, community members can visit https://www.unitedwaykfla.ca//backpack-program/
Items can be dropped off at:
United Way office – 417 Bagot Street
Monday to Friday from 8:30am -4:30pm
until August 14, 2026
From July 27 to August 14, 2026
Cataraqui Centre
Centre Court – 945 Gardiners Road
Monday to Friday 10 am to 8pm, Saturday 10 am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm
About The Backpack Program
Initially set up by the Social Issues Networking Group (SING) with support from the United Way KFL&A and other organizations, the program worked for 19 years to ensure that families and children received backpacks and school supplies.
In 2020, with pandemic restrictions in place, United Way KFL&A took on the Backpack Program, collecting supplies from community members, workplaces, and businesses and distributed these through schools and agencies.
About United Way KFL&A
United Way Kingston Frontenac Lennox & Addington works closely with community partners to ensure that people have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live with hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This vision is realized by building on deep-rooted local community knowledge and relationships to empower people to make an impact.
The United Way raises funds for programs that support immediate needs while also tackling complex social issues collaboratively. Led by volunteers, driven by a small professional staff team, the United Way KFL&A is a unifying force, encouraging people to get involved to support our most vulnerable.
Stay up to date by following their social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn or visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca
Media Contact:
Mandy Pasch, Director, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca
