With the new school year right around the corner a community-wide initiative is working to ensure all kids have the “Best First Day”. “The program is about helping communities,” said Cecile Klerks, executive director with the Thames Valley Education Foundation. “Specifically families and students who are struggling to get a backpack for going back to school.” The “Best First Day” program started in 2006 to support students in the Thames Valley region. “We ask the schools how many backpacks they need for their schools and we get them ready for pickup,” said Klerks. “We also have a box for first nations community schools.” Organizers said they have filled over 4,200 backpacks. Inside the backpacks is a pencil case, a notebook, a water bottle, and other necessary school supplies. “I was packing pencil cases and then bringing them over,” said Teghan Brightling, a volunteer with the project. “Then we would pack the backpacks.” Brightling said they helped fill nearly 1,400 backpacks on Wednesday. “We like helping out the kids and knowing that they have something to go to school with,” said Brightling. “Even if they don’t buy it themselves.” Brightling volunteers with her father Ben Brightling. “It’s just great giving back to the community,” said Ben. “Helping out and showing the kids how to help.” The initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Thames Valley Education Foundation and United Way Elgin Middlesex. “We help with getting the word out to the community,” said Michelle Foote with United Way Elgin Middlesex. Organizers said they have noticed a growing need for the program in recent years. “Its a stressful time going back to school and the things you need for school have gotten more expensive,” said Foote. “It’s less stress on the family and on the kids too, we want kids to have their best first day.”
