United Way collecting donations of backpacks, school supplies and funds to set students up for success
KINGSTON, ON (July 7, 2025) – With the latest school year in the books, it is never too early to think about supporting students for the upcoming school year. Going back to school comes with lots of excitement and anticipation; it can also be an anxious and stressful time for many families on low-income as they do their best to set their children up for success.
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 2024, thanks to the community’s generosity and support, over 1,000 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, 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 be even higher again this year.
“Costs are high, and we know that many individuals and families in KFL&A are struggling to make ends meet,” said John DiPaolo, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “We are asking our community to support each other and help children and youth. It may be as simple as picking up a few extra items when you do your own shopping or making a monetary donation. However you choose to give, you will be helping support children and families and providing the tools they need to succeed.”
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 crayons. 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 15, 2025
About The Backpack Program
The program has been running for 23 years in KFL&A. 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, X, 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
