Community backpack drive seeing more demand than ever
Posted Aug 15, 2026 10:16:54 AM.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2026 11:01:36 AM.
Sharing and Caring exchange is helping families prepare for the back to school season by filling backpacks with school supplies as a way to offset the rising cost of living.
Matthew Mitchell of Sharing and Caring said this year they are receiving more demand for the service than ever.
“That’s largely because of some reasons like the cost of living, inflation … An increase in housing costs, an increase in food, an increase in essentials across the board,” he said.
Theresa Kavanaugh, Bay Ward Councillor, said with the strain of the flooding this year, everybody is in need of a boost.
The cost of school supplies can add up, and when families are faced with the decision of essentials or school supplies, they will opt for putting food on the table, Mitchell explained.
The next back to school drive takes place next week, and the organization is still hoping to meet its goal by then.
