Help is available with back-to-school supplies for Langley kids

The Gateway of Hope is readying about 950 packs of school supplies for local children. The public can help with the annual School Supply Drive by contributing the items kids need for class or money.

“While everyone is planning summer vacation we in full swing of planning and organizing our Back 2 School School Supply program,” explained Andréa Voss, Gateway’s family services coordinator. “Registration has started and will continue until Aug. 9. Our deadline is earlier this year, compared to previous years, because school starts right after the September long weekend – Sept 3. We need to organize, order, and pack all the supplies and make sure that all those that have registered receive a backpack full of supplies.”

The school supply drive is about help families that are struggling financially. “The rise of the cost of living affects all of us,” Voss commented. “With the rise in inflation this has made everything more expensive including school supplies. And so many families are feeling the crunch. We are noticing many of the families who register are spending 50 per cent or more on shelter cost. This program is one way we can assist families who are feeling the pressure of trying to make ends meet.”

The public is asked to make donations by Friday, Aug. 9 so that supplies can be sorted and financial donations can be used to purchase necessary items. The packs of school supplies are available to students from kindergarten through Grade 12 in the Langley School District.