Ponoka’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is ready to help as school begins.
Its Tools For Schools program is back in operation and is still accepting donations.
“We are unsure of how this already challenging school year will go, but we are here and ready to help those in need,” said Shelly Van Eaton, FCSS program director.
“Back-to-school shopping can put a major strain on family finances, so it’s easy to see how it all adds up.”
Van Eaton added the pandemic has really strained families that were already struggling to keep a handle on expenses, so the program’s aim is to provide some assistance.
”Thanks to donations and supports from Ponoka — through individuals, businesses and organizations — we are able to keep this program running,” she said.
“With so many families living in low income, impoverished households or those simply trying to find a job, they are struggling with having to choose between buying school supplies, groceries, paying for heat or even prescriptions.
“Our hope is the Tools For Schools program can help.”
Recipients get $25 in either the form of a gift certificate from Central Office Supplies, money towards school fees or reimbursed to that amount for school supplies, shoes or lunch items bought locally.
FCSS is accepting donations at their office at 5006 52 Ave. or via mail to Box 4004, Ponoka, AB T4J 1R5.
As well, people can check out their page on Facebook or visit the website — www.ponokafcss.net — or call the office at 403-783-4462 to obtain an economic emergency list to help find needed resources.