Providing kids with back-to-school supplies is about more than just having the right tools; it also boosts classroom participation, attendance and student morale. When students have access to the supplies they need, they feel more prepared and confident allowing them to focus on learning and engaging with their peers.
The Gift Card Program: We work with local agencies to identify students and families in need of this support across Chatham-Kent. Through our gift card program, they are provided with a $50 gift card to purchase back-to-school supplies for their children. These cards empower parents to choose what’s right for their children, whether that’s a new backpack, healthy lunch snacks or a new pair of shoes.
Thanks to you, United Way provided 522 gift cards to support Chatham-Kent students heading into the 2026/27 school year!
You can donate throughout the year and know your gift will go toward supporting United Way’s children education initiatives and programs.
This year, because of your support, 522 gift cards were distributed to students throughout 16 Chatham-Kent communities.
Community Impact
- “[The BaCK to School Program] offers hope that the learners will be able to participate in the educational curriculum with the necessary tools to succeed” -Partner Organization
- “ [The BaCK to School Program] offered the relief of not being able to provide for my children the way I would have liked. Having gift cards also allowed for shopping and time spent together.” -Program Participant
- “[The most valuable aspect of the BaCK to School Gift Card Program is] minimizing the cost of getting the children back to school. School supplies are one less thing the parents need to worry about when managing the household expenses” -Partner Organization
- ” [The BaCK to School Program] increased my daughters confidence and excitement to go back to school ” -Program Participant
Thank you for all of your support!
Last updated on September 1, 2026
