The United Way of Bruce Grey has supplied more than 2,400 backpacks to low income and underprivileged students across Bruce and Grey counties this year, setting a new high for the program.

In a United Way Bruce Grey media release, backpacks are provided to students of all ages and backgrounds across Bruce and Grey, from Tobermory to Dundalk, and Kindergarten through to Grade 12. Each backpack contains school supplies relevant to the age of the child with contents ranging from $35 worth of product for primary students, to $110 for high school students. Since the program got underway in 2005, over $1.5 million has been saved by parents through the backpack program with a total of 23,604 backpacks being delivered.

Backpacks are still available to be picked up at the United Way office, 380 9th Street East in Owen Sound. The majority of backpack requests received by United Way are made through phone calls to 211 or requested by local schools, food banks and agencies such as Bruce Grey Child and Family Services.

As of August 31, totals for 2018 stand at 2,426 backpacks with more expected as the school year begins on Tuesday. Thanks to the continued generosity of the community partners and individuals who have contributed to the Backpack Program through donations and campaign events such as ‘Stuff The Bus’ at Staples in Owen Sound, United Way was able to provide almost 400 more backpacks this year than last year. Donations are still needed to cover extra costs and can be made at the United Way office, 380 9th street east Owen Sound or online at www.donatetoday.ca.