91���˵���

SPRING BAY—Every child deserves to start the school year with confidence, says Pastor Jamie Greenwood in outlining the Island Wide Backpack Program for 2026.

“This is the third year of the program,” said Spring Bay Pentecostal Church Pastor Greenwood. “Our goal is to raise $3,000 this year (and collect backpacks, lunch bags, notebooks, USB drives), which is about half of what we have needed the past two years; this is because we received such great support last year.”

He explained that after reaching out to every school on Manitoulin Island, “we only need to raise enough to help 230 students with backpacks and educational supplies. That is a decrease of 162 students in need (last year). We are thankful that things are moving in the right direction.”

Pastor Greenwood pointed out that in 2025 the organizing group had sourced a wholesale company that specializes in backpack programs and, “we raised enough for 393 backpacks plus educational supplies.”

“The need is still there across Manitoulin,” said Pastor Greenwood. “And the program seems to be working,” he said, noting that backpacks are presented to all schools on the Island, whether they be high school or public schools. “A week before schools open in the fall we deliver the backpacks and supplies to them and the schools in turn present them to the families.”

“We have just started the campaign for this summer,” said Pastor Greenwood who noted that for those 230 students and their families, “this program still makes a world of difference.”

Whether those interested can give financially or donate supplies, you are helping a child begin the school year with dignity, hope and the tools they need to succeed.

Monetary donations can be made by cheque to the Spring Bay Pentecostal Church e-transfer: [email protected], debit or credit: . For more information or to drop off physical donations call (705) 377-5060.