Town collecting school supplies for those in need

By Stephen Dafoe

Morinville – The Community Services Department are once again leading the charge in making sure local students have the supplies necessary for back to school. Donations of school supplies can be made at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre front desk during business hours.

“There are people in our community who are in need,” said Community Services Director Kerry Dawson, adding some families may not have the extra funds necessary to buy their children the things they need for back to school. “You want him to experience everything he possibly can, or she. Part of it is being comfortable in the space. A lot of that is having the same supplies as everyone else.”
Dawson said each student receives a list of what is required and that it is merely a matter of filling those lists from the resources donated. Although used supplies will be accepted, it is preferred donations are new. The Community Services director said helping out is as simple as parents adding a little extra when shopping for supplies for their own children.

“When you are shopping for supplies for your own child, why not buy … an extra binder or package of crayons for the little kids,” Dawson said. “Whatever it is, buy that. One of two extra supplies is not going to hurt anybody. Bring it down and we’ll distribute it.”

Dawson said Community Services involvement in the program began a few years ago when the Town’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Coordinator realized a local business was collecting school supplies but the supplies were ultimately being taken to St. Albert students in need. It was decided to implement a program to help Morinville students.

Ready to help

Parents who need a little help in getting their children equipped for another school year can contact Nicholas Valcourt at Community Services. Supplies collected by the end of August will be matched with lists received and distributed prior to the start of the new school year.

Those seeking some assistance will go through the Town’s FCSS program to ensure they qualify for help. The application is non-intrusive and confidential. “There’s no way we want anyone to be uncomfortable,” Dawson said.

Supply donations can be dropped at the Community Cultural Centre front desk during operating hours. Parents seeking assistance can call Nicholas Valcourt at 780-939-7839.

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