It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many parents: back-to-school season.
However, for some Collingwood families, the rising costs of everything mean that they might struggle to outfit their kids with everything they need for school this September.
Collingwood mom Ashley Plewes is hoping to help those families, and is running a backpack drive on Friday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Collingwood Walmart, with a goal of collecting enough to prepare 50 backpacks for kids and teenagers. All proceeds will be given to the Collingwood Salvation Army to assist families in need on their backpack waitlist this year.
“I love helping people. I recently lost a job, so I know how tight money can be. I know I’m not the only family that’s in need of stuff,” Plewes told CollingwoodToday. “Even if I’m having a tough time, I still want to help others.”
Collingwood OPP will be on-hand on Friday to assist Plewes in the collection, and Potts Catering will also be on-site to supply coffee and snacks.
People interested in donating can choose to purchase items at Walmart, provide a monetary or gift card donation, or donate items they bring in themselves. Plewes says that while items for younger kids are always donated in droves, they are especially in need of backpacks and items for older kids in high school.
“Plain, simple bags. It doesn’t have to be expensive stuff,” she said.
According to Plewes, the Collingwood Salvation Army's wait list for backpacks this year currently sits at 50 families, with that number expected to rise to between 75 and 100 families as September nears.
Plewes has assisted with other backpack drives in the past, however this will mark the first year she’ll be taking the helm by organizing one.
“I’ve always collected lots of stuff and donated. This year, I decided to do it on my own,” she said. “I’m hoping this drive will really help families out.”
Plewes can also pick up items in town. If you’d like to arrange a donation pick up, contact Plewes at [email protected] or call 705-441-6472.
If you are a family in need, contact the Collingwood Salvation Army to be added to the wait list for a backpack.
