It’s hard to believe that the next school year is only 3 weeks away.
That has many thinking about school supplies, including Moncton Headstart.
Parents Program Coordinator Lorie Ann Carson says their annual School supplies drive is officially underway and donations are still needed.
“It exists completely because of the kindness and compassion of our community, and we have a big heart. It has been very successful over the years because people want to help each other and want to ensure our kids are going to be ready for the next academic year.”
Last year the organization helped over 1000 children to ensure they had school supplies.
Carson says that number tends to rise each year, “Certainly the phones are ringing, and people are registering and booking appointments. but at this point it is hard to know how it is going to look. We are anticipating and preparing for the thousand, but it is hard to say at this point how it will look for numbers this year.”
One of the most exciting things for the students who as assisted by Moncton Headstart, is the bookbag room.
“Students can go in and pick out their own bookbag. Socially and emotionally, that is a really important piece because it means something to the kids to have that perfect bookbag, so they have a sense of belonging into their community and friends,” Carson says.
Supplies for the older students are often the most needed donations. Things like USB’s are also a highly needed item, because almost every student for Kindergarten to grade 12 needs one.
A full list of the items needed can be found on the Moncton Headstart website.
Donations can be dropped off at Jean Coutu locations in Greater Moncton and at Moncton Headstart on Mountain Road.