Giving kids the tools to succeed

Kids need 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 Now

Donate at the Till

Stop in at your local Staples location and add a Tools for School donation to your purchase.

Find a location →

DONATE ONLINE

Can't make it to Staples? You can still contribute, by making a secure donation online.

Donate Now →

HOST A PRODUCT DRIVE

Sometimes you just want to give a tangible item. Here are the most needed items.

See the High Needs List →

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 2018

Total Backpacks and kits distributed: over fifteen thousand! (15,051 to be exact)

Total Fair Market Value - $626,200

361 volunteers gave over 900 hours to build the filled backpacks

Staples stores in the Alberta Capital Region raised over $132,000 at the registers in support of Tools for School.

You can read more about what we achieved in our 2018 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.