Demand Is Up But Donations Are Down

Wednesday, 28 August 2019 at 08:22

Donations are desperately needed for the United Way of Oxford's Supplies For Students program, as there is an increase in the number of students registered for the program this year.

OXFORD COUNTY - School starts next week and the United Way Oxford is looking for donations.

Supplies For Students helps those less fortunate in the community be prepared for back to school. They have more students signed up for the program this year than ever before and donations are a little down. The United Way is really hoping that people will donate some funds this week so they can provide every student with the back to school supplies they need. This call for funding is a final push before school starts.

Resource Development Coordinator Mike Crabbe says it also provides financial relief for families.

"This allows them the chance to go out and pick the things that they do want. Maybe they have a backpack that's still great from last year and they want to get a scientific calculator this year because those are so expensive. So it allows them the freedom to choose what it is that they want for them, and it also gives them the chance to go out and shop and actually buy, that experience on its own is not something that everyone necessarily has the opportunity to do."

Crabbe says there are a lot of students in Oxford County who are in need of a little extra help to get supplies to start the school year.

The program is for students from junior kindergarten to Grade 6, as well as for students in Grades 7 to 12. Students from JK through Grade 6 will receive a $35.00 gift card from Staples and students in Grades 7 to 12 will receive a $50.00 gift card.

Summer Student Abby Belleth says there are different community partners who came together for this cause.

"About four years ago many people in Oxford remember the different programs we had all kind of going on at the same time across the County, but now we're all working together. So Salvation Army Tillsonburg, Salvation Army Woodstock are two of our partners. Operation Sharing, Calvary Church Woodstock, Children's Aid of Oxford County, as well as Big Brothers Big Sisters in Oxford County."

If anyone is interested in making a donation, they can head to United Way Oxford's website.

Crabbe says you can donate either from your phone or on a computer from home.

You can also register for the program by calling 211.