Free backpacks distribution in Chatham-Kent

Back-to-school can be a stressful time for many families, with this year’s rising costs making it even harder, but local organizations are stepping up to help.

Volunteers with the United Way in Windsor-Essex will be handing out 2,000 free backpacks on Saturday for local students.

Each one is filled with supplies to help kids succeed in the classroom.

Organizers say the need is especially high this year, with families feeling the pinch of rising prices, made worse by tariffs driving up costs on essentials.

In Chatham, Free Help CK is poised to present 3,000 backpacks to registered families ahead of the school year.

Saturday and throughout next week, students in Chatham and the outlying communities will receive their school supplies.

Organizers say demand this year increased, noting about 1,800 backpacks were given away in 2024.

This year, the group is also giving away $10 gift cards to get some extra supplies, along with free back-to-school photo’s and coupons for haircuts, all part of the 6th annual operation backpack.