Giving students a great start to the school year

By Christine Foshaug Times Contributor

Any parent knows how expensive back-to-school season can be. With that in mind, four local organizations are working together to make this time of year easier for families in need in Strathmore and Wheatland County.
The Tools for School campaign is a team effort by the Strathmore Child, Youth and Family Hub, Value Drug Mart, Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and Wheatland FCSS.
Having the proper tools is important for learning, but it also boosts self-esteem and confidence.
“The program is designed to give a helping hand to local families, so children are starting school equipped and ready to learn,” said Aia Hughes, program supervisor at the Child, Youth and Family Hub.
Last year, the Tools for School campaign helped more than 20 families send their children to school with everything they needed to succeed. This year, the goal is to beat that number.
Any and all school supplies are needed, from pens, pencils and crayons to paper, notebooks and binders. Another item that’s important for students is a backpack, and the program needs those as well.
“Back to school is very stressful for families so this is an important initiative for the community,” added Hughes. “All children are ready to learn, but research shows that kids who don’t have the proper tools will suffer greater stress and will have a harder time learning when they’re at school.”
While the start of the school year is the busiest time for the Tools for School program, Hughes said they welcome donations all year long.
New school supplies, or monetary contributions, can be dropped off at the Child, Youth and Family Hub, Value Drug Mart, Strathmore FCSS or Wheatland FCSS.
Any money that’s collected will be used to purchase school supplies that are still needed.
To register for the program, contact Aia Hughes at the Hub at 403-934-4918. She will sit down with families and they will fill out the registration form together.