This is the time of year when school kids and their wallet-bearing parents go off into department stores with checklists of school supplies.
For parents whose wallets are as bare as Mother Hubbard’s cupboards, help is a phone call away.
Next weekend, the St. Albert Food Bank and Community Village is hosting a special event called Gearin’ Up for the Grades. Executive director Suzan Krecsy calls it a one-stop event that is designed to help struggling families ease into the school year.
It’s not the first time the agency has put on this event for the public.
“We offered it last year but we’ve ramped it up this year. We’ve got more agencies involved so it’s going to be more like an information fair,” Krecsy stated. “There’s going to be about 10 agencies here so the parents can come.”
The young attendees can pick up a Tools for School package, including supplies (courtesy of the United Way) and a backpack, before heading off to get a free haircut. Hot dogs will be given out and a small selection of back to school clothes will also be available.
“It’s just going to be a good time. They can come here as a one-stop shop, get what they need and get all the information they need.”
Gearin’ Up mimics another Edmonton event generally held at the Shaw Conference Centre around the third week of August. Homeless Connect, sponsored by the Victory Christian Centre, often sees more than 1,000 people come down to receive free goods, services and support.
Krecsy said the St. Albert event would likely see more than 100 schoolchildren. In her estimation, it was long overdue in this city.
“Other communities have had it and we were just bringing up the rear, and now we’re right up there. It just makes it so much easier for the families to have this. All of our community partners … they love coming in and helping the families anyway. This is just another way for them to come and meet them.”
She said the range of comments from people who benefitted from the giveaway last year was overwhelmingly positive. She quoted some feedback forms that praised the food bank and the community for such generosity and humanitarianism.
One such note read, “I appreciate this today as I’m not working and injured and unable to provide for my daughter’s schooling. I am blessed. God bless you all for today.” Another proclaimed, “It’s nice walking in and feeling loved and cared for.”
Gearin’ Up for the Grades takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25. The one-stop event will see participants get backpacks, school supplies, lunch supplies, free haircuts (courtesy of hair stylists from Marvel College), and thrift store vouchers (courtesy of the Salvation Army).
There will also be a trade fair of sorts featuring the Salvation Army, Community and Protective Services, Rental Assistance, St. Albert Family Resource Centre, Habitat for Humanity, St. Albert Further Education and Family and Community Support Services.
More agencies and programs have been invited to participate as well but were not confirmed by press time.
To refer a family or to schedule an appointment, contact Krescy at 780-459-0599.
