Menu
The Backpacks for Kids program began in 2005 through a partnership with Staples Business Depot in Cobourg. Today, our partners include Staples, Northumberland County, Cameco, Ganaraska Financial Credit Union, Northumberland Sunrise Rotary, Port Hope Rotary Club, Sabic, Cobourg Lion’s Community Centre, Northumberland Food 4 All, Northumberland Labour Council, Hometown Bingo, and other local groups that hold annual supply drives.
In addition to these partnerships, we receive generous support from individuals and groups who make donations and organize supply drives.
The program unfolds over two days: Day 1 involves sorting and organizing supplies and stuffing backpacks, while Day 2 is dedicated to filling the backpacks with supplies. These backpacks are then picked up by local agencies for distribution to their clients.
The cost of a backpack falls within the range of $50 to $75, covering the approximate expenses of acquiring a backpack and filling it with necessary supplies for each age group.
“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 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!