WESTLOCK – The Westlock and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Tools for School program had about 47 applications to help area students with school supplies this year.
The pickup for the supplies ran from Aug. 19 to 23, said FCSS Program Co-ordinator Mackenzie Craig.
“Something that was really great this year was that Wabash donated 10 backpacks full of supplies,” said Craig. “This program is only possible due to those community donations. We really depend on that community support for this program.”
FCSS is running low on school supplies and are in need of backpacks, two- and three-inch binders, pencil cases, lunch kits, geometry sets, and calculators.
“But anything helps,” said Craig.
This year, FCSS partnered with the Dollar Store, Giant Tiger, and Red Apple where people could drop-off donations in bins.
Craig said they had more people apply this year. If anyone is in need of help, they can call FCSS at 780-349-5900 or go to their office at 10007 – 100 Avenue in Westlock to fill out an application. From there, the FCSS verifies their last year’s income to determine if they qualify.
The income range varies on the circumstances, said Craig. For instance, the income range for a couple with three children is $41,000, whereas for a single parent with one child it would be about $26,000.
