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Every year, United Way Northumberland is dedicated to ensuring that children and families across our community have the school supplies they need to succeed. Our Backpacks for Kids program provides backpacks filled with essential items to students from JK/SK to high school, ages 4 to 17.
The program is about more than just school supplies — it’s about ensuring every child walks into school feeling confident, prepared, and on equal footing with their peers.
What began in 2005 with just 100 backpacks has grown into a cornerstone of community support. To date, we’ve distributed over 26,000 backpacks throughout Northumberland County — a testament to the incredible generosity and spirit of our supporters.
We’re giving kids the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us in making a difference!
Initially launched through a partnership with Staples Business Depot in Cobourg, the program has grown through the generosity of many dedicated partners, including Northumberland County, Cameco, Ganaraska Financial Credit Union, The Ryan Huffman Foundation, Port Hope Rotary Club, Sabic, Cobourg Lions Community Centre, Northumberland Food 4 All, Northumberland Labour Council, Colborne Rotary, Elexicon Energy, and more.
In 2024, numerous community donation drives played a crucial role in the program’s success. We are incredibly grateful for the support from partners like Ganaraska Regional Conservation Area, Squishy Goose Play Center, Arcadis Canada Inc., Trinity United Church Summer Camp Kids, and individual donors who made impactful contributions such as Stephanie Yarrow’s generous donation of 30 Tupperware lunch kits.
Local businesses have also shown tremendous support, including contributions from Pet Valu Cobourg, Paulmac’s Pets Cobourg, and Lakeside Shuttle.
Led by Executive Director Alicia Vandine and Communications Coordinator April Day, the program continues to thrive thanks to the unwavering support of our community. On August 15, we hosted the Northumberland County Social Services team at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre for community pick-ups, helping distribute backpacks filled with essential supplies.
The cost of preparing each backpack ranges from $25 to $80, depending on age-specific needs. Your support helps ensure that every child starts the school year ready to learn and grow.
If you’re interested in organizing a community drive or making a donation to support this vital program, please call our office at 905-372-6955. Our goal is to make sure every child starts the school year ready to learn and thrive. Thank you for your support!
We have a limited number of supplies set aside for high school students entering their second semester. Click the link to apply.
“I have three kids and being a single Mom on a budget is hard, especially during back-to-school time. My kids absolutely loved their backpack and supplies and if it wasn’t for this program I wouldn’t have been able to afford all of these items. Thanks so much for having such an amazing program!”
“I would like to thank the sponsors who supported United Way to help families like mine. We have been raising four grandchildren for the last five years and the Backpacks for Kids program was a great help this year. The children were very happy, and it was a surprise to have new backpacks for starting school. Thank you from my four grandchildren and me.”
“Thank you for doing the Backpacks for Kids program. You have no idea how much our clients appreciate it.”
We have a limited number of high school supplies available for students entering their second semester. Click the link below to connect with us.
We acknowledge that United Way Northumberland is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishnabek, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Ojibway/Chippewa peoples. As settlers, we’re grateful for the opportunity to live and work on this land and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land – for thousands of years.
Today’s the day! Join us for our 4th annual Radiothon presented by Cobourg KIA, broadcasting live on Classic Rock 107.9, 93.3 myFM, and Oldies 100.9. We’re bringing the excitement to you from Lauria Hyundai in Port Hope and The Market & Smør in Cobourg. Your support directly benefits the Northumberland Eats Voucher Program and other essential programs. Tune in now and be part of the positive impact!