‘We’ve got you’: School drives collecting supplies at Edmonton malls

CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa has details about how you can support students who are in need of school supplies ahead of the upcoming year.

With back to school on the horizon, the cost of a child’s school supplies list can be daunting for many families.

But two initiatives are hoping to alleviate some of the pressure by collecting school supplies to be distributed to schools across the city.

The Edmonton Public Schools Foundation (EPSF) has partnered with Kingsway Mall to “pack the pack.”

“We are hoping to pack this backpack with new or unused school supplies in support of students this fall,” said EPSF acting director Catherine Bay. “When students can start the year feeling prepared, they’ll be a lot more confident in their learning.”

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A “most needed” list of supplies is available on the EPSF website, and includes items like Duo-Tangs, notebooks, pencils, pencil crayons and binders.

Bay said she’s seen a need for supplies which has been growing every year.

According to shopping lists from some Edmonton public schools, families with kids in elementary and junior high could be spending $50-$100 for a basic supply list.

“September tends to be a very expensive month for many families, and so the need just keeps increasing,” said Bay. “Our goal is to be able to respond positively to students who do need that extra support.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got you.”

The drive is running until Sept. 6 at Kingsway Mall.

But if you happen to be in the city’s west end, West Edmonton Mall is also holding a drive in partnership with WEM Volkswagen and London Drugs to fill a bus with school supplies.

Anna Alfonso, vice-president of marketing for West Edmonton Mall, said donations will be given to community partner Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and its family resource network.

“We are hoping for over 1,000 items donated,” said Alfonso. “London Drugs has generously committed to providing backpacks and school supplies as well, and West Edmonton Mall is matching up to 100 items of school supplies donated.”

And while you might be picturing a big yellow school bus, the vehicle being filled is actually a Volkswagen bus that will be near Bourbon Street until Aug. 17.

“It’s a fun play on what the city did with ‘stuff a bus,’” said Alfonso.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nahreman Issa