Taking weight off shoulders

Backpacks full of supplies going to families in need

School is around the corner and with that comes the list of supplies needed.

Not everyone can afford the sometimes pricey school tools, and Deb Howatt-Gallant and her team do what they can to alleviate the stress.

For the fifth year in a row, Howatt-Gallant and a few other members from her church have focused their efforts on helping Prince County kids.

The Operation Backpack Project fills backpacks with supplies based on lists provided by schools. The backpacks are then given to low-income families.

“A lot of the same families keep coming back each year,” said Howatt-Gallant.

The recipients are grateful and tears are often shed, she said.

There are some families who have gotten back on their feet financially and have given back to the program, she noted.

“I love seeing that happen, because they understand it.”

There are families all over the world who could use this kind of help, she said.

When it comes to schools and teachers alleviating some of the stress, they’re doing the best they can, said Howatt-Gallant.

The list of supplies provided by teachers can sometimes be tricky, trying to find specific items, sometimes in specific colours, and in reasonable price ranges.

“Some teachers ask for really specific items that may be more difficult for parents to get, like zippered binders,” she noted. With about 300 requests for these filled backpacks, the families who benefit from them are not necessarily on social assistance but are in need. Often they are single parent, single income, or low-income families, and usually with multiple children.

The Summerside church group has never had to say no to a family in need, and hope they never have to.

Every little bit helps, and any donations made in cash will receive a tax receipt, said HowattGallant.

The group’s Facebook page, 5th Annual Operation Backpack Project, has more information.

“If you’re thinking you only have enough to donate a pack of pencils or a couple of scribblers, that’s great. Especially if there are 50 other people thinking the same thing.”

“Some teachers ask for really specific items that may be more difficult for parents to get, like zippered binders.” Deb Howatt-Gallant

ALYSHA CAMPBELL/JOURNAL PIONEER Organizer of the 5th Annual Operation Backpack Project, Deb HowattGallant’s children, Jazmyn and Gideon Gallant, try on two of about 300 backpacks filled with school supplies that will be going to families in need in preparation for school in the fall.