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 A $50 gift card allowed families to choose the items that are right for their child’s individual needs at the start of the new school year.
This school year because of your support, we were able to distribute 535 gift cards to students throughout Chatham-Kent.
Community Impact
- “This ensured I could get everything on my children’s back to school lost. It absolutely benefited them as well as myself. It reduced the level of stress in an already stressful situation” -Program Participant
- “This program definitely took some stress off me. Being a single parent, money gets tight and back to school time can be extra hard, especially with both of my children’s birthdays around the same time & other unexpected costs that always seem to pop up at the worst time. I have to stick to a serious budget, so the gift cards were a huge help! Thank you so much to anyone who contributed!”-Program Participant
- “(The BaCK to School Gift Card Program) allowed us not to stress about supplies as we knew they were covered which is a big relief as we are on a fixed income especially in the summer,” -Program Participant
- “Many of the parents who I referred expressed huge relief, as they were very stressed (about back to school).” -Caseworker from Partner Organization
Thank you for all of your support!
Last updated on October 20, 2025