Tools for School
For more than thirty years, Tools for School has provided backpacks full of school supplies to vulnerable students, reducing one known barrier preventing children from successfully participating in school.
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A Heartfelt Thank You
Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, United Way and its partners have distributed a total of 21,229 backpacks to students in need through the Tools for School program!
This school year, 30 agencies and 11 school divisions partnered with us to ensure these essential supplies reached the hands of children across our region. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the 619 volunteers who dedicated 1,238 hours to assembling these backpacks and kits.
The dedication of United Way’s donors and volunteers has not only equipped children with the proper tools for learning but has also lifted a significant financial burden off many families. Because of your generosity, students are now better prepared to succeed in their studies, fostering a brighter future for themselves and our community.
Keep the Momentum Going!
Even though the school year is in full swing, your ongoing contributions to the Tools for School program are vital to ensuring United Way can get an early start on next year’s campaign, preparing us to reach even more children in need. With your help, we can continue to provide the necessary tools for learning and alleviate the financial strain on families in our community.
Give Supplies Today
Sometimes you want to give a tangible item. You can be confident knowing the supplies you donate go directly to students in need. All supply donations must be new and unused. To ensure students are not identified as accessing the program, donations of corporate-branded promotional items cannot be accepted. School kits are distributed in three standardized grade categories, each with a list of required supplies compatible with participating school divisions. Download our printable list!
Get Involved
You believe every child deserves the right to access the tools they need to succeed in school. By donating time, supplies and funds, you create equity for children in our community and ensure they have the same opportunities as other students.
Donate Online
Donations are needed year-round to ensure students have the supplies they need. Make a secure donation online to help United Way prepare for next school year.
Donate
Host a Product Drive
Many hands make light work. Host a product drive at your workplace or among your friends and family to collect essential school supplies for vulnerable students.
Learn More
Build a Backpack
Get hands-on! Recruit a team of volunteers to fill backpacks and build confidence, competence, connections, and community with others who share your passion.
VolunteerAs a newcomer and unemployed family, it was very important to receive backpacks filled with school supplies. The children use everything that was inside. Thank you very much!
Tools for School Backpack Recipient
With everything going on right now, receiving these backpacks has been such a relief and has made the start of the school year a lot smoother for us. Seeing my kids excited with their new backpacks truly lifted our spirits, and it’s been one less major thing to worry about.
Tools for School Backpack Recipient
Receiving these backpacks for both of my daughters made a huge difference because I was able to send them to school with supplies. Having this help allows me to start catching up on my other expenses, like rent and utilities. I cannot express how much I appreciate this!
Tools for School Backpack Recipient
What We Achieved in 2024
21,229
21,229 backpacks and kits were distributed to students.
41
agencies and school divisions distributed Tools for School kits to students.
619 volunteers
volunteers gave 1,238 hours to fill backpacks with supplies.
Our Partners
Need a Backpack for a Student?
United Way provides backpacks filled with school supplies to students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the Alberta Capital Region who may have limited access to necessary supplies.
If a student in your life needs to access the Tools for School program, we ask that you contact the student’s school and let them know the student requires a Tools for School backpack.
If the student’s school is not participating in the Tools for School program, please have the school contact us. If you are a principal or teacher looking for backpacks for your students, email us at [email protected]
