More London kids in need of school supplies heading back to class this year

The start of school is just around the corner with a call going out to Londoners to help more students start the year with the supplies they need. 

The Thames Valley Education Foundation is asking for donations to fill more than 4,000 backpacks. Last year, 3,200 were collected but the number of students in needs is rising. 

"The idea that students are coming to school without the things they need to learn is devastating," said Jackie Ellefsen, the executive director with the Thames Valley Education Foundation. 

Ellefsen said some factors that contribute to the increased need include inflation, the rising cost of living, and job losses parents may have faced during the pandemic 

"All of those things combined I think we need to prepare ourselves for a busier year," she said. . 

The supplies will be gathered at the foundation's main office, where students and volunteers will pack the backpacks.

Principals will then pick up the backpacks and distribute them to parents. The backpacks will be given to students in the Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board, Indigenous communities and women's shelters in London. 

This year the drive started at the beginning of August, earlier than usual because of the anticipated increased need for supplies.

Londoners can donate to the drive until Sept. 2. They can go to bestfirstday.ca to learn more about how they can donate, and they'll find a list of supplies there as well. 

The drive is a joint partnership  between the Thames Valley Education Foundation, the United Way Elgin Middlesex, The Salvation Army, and Family Services.