Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) have over 100 backpacks made up, full of supplies and ready to hand out to those who need some back-to-school supplies.
“We’re right around where we were last year,” said FCSS resource centre coordinator Annemarie Tocher of the amount of donations they had received for the annual Backpack Program, “and we’re feeling pretty good about that.”
Tocher said the program, which has been going since 2009, has seen anywhere from a 20 to 30 per cent increase in demand each year since its inception, but that they are never quite sure each year to the next how many Cochrane and Rocky View County residents will be looking for a backpack.
Last year, 161 backpacks were made up with 130 handed out to students ready to again hit the books, and so far this year, 105 backpacks have been prepared.
Tocher said they anticipated higher demand in 2013 due to the flood that hit the province that June (which did come to fruition), and they had thought there would be more need this year because of several layoffs in the oil and gas sector. Tocher, however, said they are expecting a little less demand for backpacks this year compared with 2014.
In partnership with Cochrane Staples, which helps reach area residents to let them know about the program, accepts donations at the store and provides general support for the Backpack Program, Tocher said FCSS hands out several backpacks filled with school supplies to student prior to the first day of school, and also see a wave during the first week of classes, as teachers take notice of which students need supplies and contact FCSS to make them aware.
Last year, the program also partners with Centrica Energy to launch a pilot program that provided 10 loaner scientific calculators to Cochrane high schools and Learning Connections, each valued at over $120.
“They are required for high school math classes (Grades 11 and 12),” said Tocher. “Feedback from schools at this point is that the loaner calculators were invaluable, particularly at exam time, when students can’t share.”
She added that given the high demand for the T184 Plus calculators, FCSS is open to receiving donations this year for students in need.
Tocher said they have all the materials they need for this year’s program, and want to get the word out to let Cochrane and county families know the Backpack Program is available to those in need.
“I’m astounded at the support this program gets from the community each year,” Tocher said, adding that FCSS looks to wrap up the back-to-school program during the second week of September.
Contact FCSS at 403-851-2255 or stop by their office at 209 Second Ave. W. to register for the program or for more information.
