United Way brings together social agencies, schools, organizations, and governments to make a meaningful difference in the community through local programs and services that empower people to improve their lives. By working together, we create lasting change and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
When you support United Way, you are an important part of a movement with others who share your social purpose and want the best for our community. Your contribution to United Way stays 100% local, providing life-changing support to individuals and families within the Edmonton region.
Let’s work together to align your corporate social purpose and values with the community needs you care about. Partnering with United Way gives your employees immersive personal and professional development opportunities, team-building exercises, engagement activities, and positive recognition and celebration for the difference they are making in community.
Keep up with the latest news, stories, and events happening in the local community.
United Way is a network of more than 75 local United Way offices. Since 1941, we’ve worked in the Alberta Capital Region for the betterment of all.
Whether you are an individual looking for support or an organization looking to collaborate, please reach out to connect.
Search United Way Alberta Capital Region
Home / News / Provide backpacks, supplies to kids in need with Tools for School
July 8, 2024
By supporting Tools for School and United Way, you can help make sure every student has the school supplies they need to succeed.
For families attending Delton School in north-central Edmonton, the backpacks they receive from United Way’s Tools for School program give students more than new school supplies — it brings a sense of relief, hope, and community to their families during what can often be a stressful time.
“When kids and families have the support of school supplies, all of a sudden we see positive attendance, we see engagement, and we see profound relief from families who are experiencing other stressors in their lives,” shares Christine Simmons, Principal at Delton School.
School sets a strong foundation for a successful and stable future, but families in our region experience barriers that make it harder to participate in school. For more than thirty years, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region has rallied the local community together to support our Tools for School program.
When we provide students with new school supplies, kids feel included and can focus better, leading to better educational outcomes.
Christine says that the support of Tools for School and United Way is a tangible way to show families that the community cares for them.
“When you’re able to phone a family and say on that very first day, despite all these other challenges: here’s what we can do — not only have you inspired hope for that kiddo, but you’ve created trust and you’ve created relief for a family to meet the needs of their families in different ways. To experience that is not only humbling, but it’s incredibly impactful. That’s why we do what we do.” — Christine Simmons, Principal, Delton School
“When you’re able to phone a family and say on that very first day, despite all these other challenges: here’s what we can do — not only have you inspired hope for that kiddo, but you’ve created trust and you’ve created relief for a family to meet the needs of their families in different ways.
To experience that is not only humbling, but it’s incredibly impactful. That’s why we do what we do.”
— Christine Simmons, Principal, Delton School
United Way has seen a steady increase in need across the Edmonton area in recent years, including more local schools and front-line agencies reaching out for help with school supplies. With the support of our community, local businesses, and volunteers, more than 18,000 students received school supplies from Tools for School last year.
This year, we anticipate 21,000 students and their families will need help accessing backpacks and school supplies with Tools for School.
The best way to support Tools for School is by donating online. United Way can quickly and effectively use monetary donations to cover any shortfalls in school supplies, ensuring that we have enough kits to help students start the year off on an equal footing.
You can also host a Tools for School backpack drive in your community or workplace, or volunteer to build backpacks during a Day of Caring. Our corporate sponsor Staples will also be accepting backpacks and monetary donations at their tills from August 11 to September 22, 2024.
Families in need of backpacks are encouraged to talk to their school directly to determine availability. School staff can contact United Way to learn more about receiving Tools for School support at 780-990-1000.
By donating time, supplies, and funds to United Way’s Tools for School, you can ensure kids start school next year with the tools they need to succeed.
ReUnited launched their first volunteer Day of Caring in support of United Way’s Coats for Kids & Families. Together, they brought donations, sorted coats, and showed how staying engaged in retirement can create lasting community impact.
Learn 5 essential financial facts that can help you take control of your money, from building savings to understanding debt and creating a budget that works for you. Start your journey to financial empowerment today!