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A vehicle is stuffed with Tools for School backpacks on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle)

Tools for School gets students ready for the new year

Aug 22, 2023 | 4:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The bell will soon be ringing to start another school year and the United Way of Southeastern Alberta is once again helping to make sure students are as ready as possible.

Each year the United Way runs its Tools for School drive with the support of community donors and corporate sponsors.

Tools for School provides a backpack full of school supplies to students from kindergarten to Grade 12 whose families have limited resources.

Danielle Braithwaite, hub navigator at Bridges Family Programs, says they help more than 100 students through Tools for School.

“There’s families right now that are financially struggling so without the help I think kiddos would be showing up to school with not having appropriate supplies and such,” she said while picking up backpacks to distribute to the families they serve.

“It gives them the confidence to start off the school year like the rest of their peers and just be a typical regular kiddo.”

If you want to help you can drop off supplies at Leon’s Furniture or Auto-Star, preferably before Sept. 5.

For more details call the United Way at 403-526-5544.