GIVING KIDS THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED
In some areas of the Alberta Capital Region, the need for backpacks filled with school supplies is as high as 8 in 10 students. United Way’s Tools for School aims to reduce one known barrier preventing children and youth from successful learning and participation in school. Through support of community donors and corporate sponsors, we continue to meet the needs of children and youth in our community.
Make a donation to Tools for School before the end of the school year and you can download a fun craft to do and share! Simply print it out, colour it in, and follow the folding instructions to create your own bookmark!
DONATE AT THE TILL
Stop in at your local Staples location and add a Tools for School donation to your purchase.
DONATE ONLINE
Can’t make it to Staples? You can still contribute, by making a secure donation online.
HOST A PRODUCT DRIVE
Sometimes you just want to give a tangible item. Here are the most needed items.
NEED A BACKPACK?
We ask that parents living in the Alberta Capital Region who need to access the program contact the school their child will be attending and let them know their child requires a Tools for School backpack. In the event the school is not currently participating in the Tools for School program, please have your school contact us. If you are a principal or teacher looking for backpacks for your students, please email Suzi Medhurst.
PROGRAM REACH
WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED IN 2019
Total Backpacks and kits distributed: over thirteen thousand! (13,013 to be exact)
Total Fair Market Value – $541,409
314 volunteers gave 785 hours to build the filled backpacks
Staples stores in the Alberta Capital Region raised more than $121,500 at the registers in support of Tools for School.
You can read more about what we achieved in our 2019 Report to the Community.
JOIN IN
Want to keep up with our achievements and help Tools for School meet it’s goals?
Subscribe to our email list, and you’ll be the first to know about events, get impact updates, and find out ways to help get school supplies to children in need.
HIGH NEEDS ITEMS
To ensure students are not identified as accessing the program, we ask that no company logos appear on donated items.
All donations must be new or unused.
Backpacks
Binders (1”-2”)
Erasers
Exercise books
Glue sticks
Highlighters
Lined Paper
Pencil Crayons
Washable Markers
Wax Crayons
You can download a printable list.
PROGRAM APPROVED SUPPLY LISTS
United Way’s Tools for School program distributes school kits in three standardized grade categories, each with a list of required school supplies compatible with participating school divisions.
KINDERGARTEN-GRADE 3
Required Supplies:
Backpack (1)
Duo Tangs (5)
Eraser (2)
Exercise Books (2)
Glue Stick (1)
Pencil box (1)
Pencil Crayons (1 box)
Pencils (10)
Ruler (1)
Washable markers (1 box)
Wax Crayons (1 box)
GRADE 4- GRADE 6
Required Supplies:
Backpack (1)
Binder (1 – 1.5’ to 2” size)
Blue pens (2)
Duo Tangs (5)
Eraser (2)
Exercise Books (4)
Glue Stick (1)
Highlighters (2)
Lined Paper (2kg packages)
Pencil Case (1)
Pencil Crayons (1 box)
Pencils (10)
Ruler (1)
GRADE 7-12
Required Supplies:
Backpack (1)
Binder (1 – 1.5’ to 2” size)
Blue pens (2)
Coiled notebook (1)
Dividers (1 package of 5)
Duo Tangs (5)
Eraser (2)
Highlighters (2)
Lined Paper (2kg packages)
Pencil Case (1)
Pencils (10)
Ruler (1)
You can download a printable list!
Our partners are so important and we accomplish a lot together
