United Way KFL&A is asking the community to help local children and youth prepare for the upcoming school year through its annual Backpack Program.
The program collects backpacks, school supplies and financial donations to support students across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. Donations are distributed through local schools and child and youth-serving agencies to help families facing financial challenges.
In 2025, community support helped more than 1,800 children and youth start the school year with the supplies they needed. United Way says the cost of basic school supplies can range from $200 to $300 per student, with rising costs increasing the need for support.
The most needed items include backpacks, lunch bags, calculators, math sets, pens, pencils and other classroom supplies.
Donations can be dropped off at the United Way office until Aug. 14, or at Cataraqui Centre locations during the donation period. Volunteers will pack backpacks in August before distribution begins.
