Best First Day Initiative Launches Backpack Drive to Support Students

Posted On Monday June 24, 2024

Thames Valley Education Foundation, The Salvation Army and United Way Elgin Middlesex are excited to announce the launch of its annual backpack drive, aimed at ensuring every student has the necessary supplies for a successful start to the school year. This community-driven effort will provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in need, helping to bridge the gap and foster educational success.

"We believe that every student deserves the chance to start their school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed," said Brittany Webb, Executive Director, TVEF, "Our Best First Day backpack drive is a vital part of our mission to support students and alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by families in our community."

#BestFirstDay invites community members, local businesses, and organizations to contribute in various ways:

Donations: Financial contributions can be made through our website at bestfirstday.ca. Every dollar goes directly toward purchasing backpacks and school supplies.
Supplies: New backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at designated collection points throughout the city. A list of accepted items and drop-off locations can be found on our website – bestfirstday.ca.
Volunteer: We welcome volunteers to help sort, pack and distribute backpacks. Sign up by contacting Brittany Webb, b.webb@tvdsb.ca.

Last year, the #BestFirstDay initiative successfully distributed over 3,700 backpacks to students across our community. This year, we aim to exceed that number and reach even more students, ensuring they have the resources they need for a positive and productive school year.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support we've received from our community in the past, and we're confident that, together, we can make this year’s #BestFirstDay our most impactful yet," added Brittany.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can give every student the best first day of school possible. Deadline to donate is August 1, 2024.

For more information on how to get involved, please visit www.bestfirstday.ca or contact one of our partners (listed below).

About Best First Day Initiative

Before the school year is over, we are already planning for next year’s #BestFirstDay. The Best First Day program is a community wide school supplies drive collecting backpacks and school supplies for Thames Valley District School Board students in need of support for these essential items.

Contact

Thames Valley Education Foundation
Brittany Webb
Executive Director
519.452.2000 x20202 b.webb@tvdsb.ca

The Salvation Army
Rebecca Thiessen
Integrated Missions Manager
Rebecca.thiessen@salvationarmy.ca
519.660.5884 ext 105

United Way Elgin Middlesex
Roxanne Riddell
Director, Community Impact
rriddell@unitedwayem.ca
519.438.1723 ext 224

Thames Valley Education Foundation
Formed in 2001, the Thames Valley Education Foundation is a registered charitable organization and the fundraising arm of the Thames Valley District School Board. We exist to foster support from the community to create an exemplary public education system where every student has the support they need to be their best selves. Our funding comes from local organizations and businesses, grants, and the generous citizens who wish to support us in our mission to enhance the learning experience of students in our community. Visit the TVEF website at www.tvdsb.ca/tvefor follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @TVeducationFdn.

United Way Elgin Middlesex
The largest non-government funder of social services in our region, United Way is dedicated to creating lasting, positive change in the quality of life for vulnerable people. We work to tackle the root causes of poverty, finding long-term solutions and lasting support so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are locally driven and locally governed, and our resources are invested into community programs strategically to support urgent needs and promote long-term stability in the social conditions of families in our communities. Donations stay 100% local, always.

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army London and Community and Family Services provides a number of programs dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming lives. We offer food assistance programs, Life Skills workshops, Christmas Hamper Program, summer camp, community garden, Pathway of Hope support and other services that bless those who struggle. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of families and overlooked people in your community - londoncfs.ca.

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