With back to school on the minds of parents, Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is looking once again to the generosity of the community to fill backpacks of families in need for the Backpack Program. As demand has more than doubled over the last few years, however, FCSS and partner Staples Cochrane is changing up the 11-year-running program to providing gift cards for families to purchase their own packs, rather than stuffing and distributing. "We have grown as an organization and our office is over-utilized," said FCSS resource centre co-ordinator Annemarie Tocher, adding that it was a challenge to set out 210 backpacks last year in an assembly-line fashion and store them until distribution. "The hope is to address the financial need and recognize this is a really expensive time of the year for families," she said, adding that FCSS is encouraging those with a couple of dollars to donate or anyone in need of supplies to stop by the office at 209 2nd Ave West. Over the last two years, the program has raised roughly $11,000 worth of supplies and cash donations to bulk buy supplies at Staples. Demand continues to outpace dollars raised, as the program has reached a $1,000 shortfall in each of the last two years. This year, Tocher anticipates at least 200 Cochrane kids will need help to get their gear for school. Gift cards per student will range from $25 for the younger kids to $50 for high school students. Donations provided to FCSS will be issued a tax receipt. Gift cards or donations can also be made at Staples, but tax receipts won't be issued there. Tocher said FCSS is open to feedback as they pilot the change this year. There is a financial eligibility requirement for those in need. Contact FCSS at 403-851-2250 for more.
