Local organizations combined to earn top marks for the back-to-school supply program this year.
It culminated with the Back 2 School BBQ Bash on Tuesday night at the Community Lending Shelf where students were able to pick up full kits of supplies in a backpack.
Heather Dixon, Community Development Supervisor with the Town of Olds, points out that they had 125 students adopted by community members and then another 40 students came in on a drop in basis at the BBQ. Dixon says “it helps them just be prepared for a really good year. It helps them feel just like all the other kids in their class because they are coming with all the teachers have had on their list. They are not missing anything. Some of them picked out some really cool backpacks that maybe they couldn’t have had in a previous year. We’ve had some parents crying, just because they are so thankful. The kids have been excited, it’s just been a really great night and we have an amazing community that came out to support.”
She says full packs of hygiene items and school snacks were also provided to the kids. Dixon says “BGC of Olds and Area, the YES! Program, Community Lending Shelf, United Way of Central Alberta, Staples, Accredited Supports to the Community, Olds RCMP, the Christmas Angels, Mountain View Moccasin House, and Western Financial of Olds and Area. All of those groups came together to partner to make this day happen.”
Classes start on Monday, August 31st as local students head back to school.
Listen to 96.5 The Ranch’s Community Hotline conversation with Heather Dixon.
