With back to school just around the corner, some parents in the community are struggling with how they will pay for the long list of school supplies for their kids.

The deadline is fast approaching for families to apply to receive backpacks filled with school supplies through the Salvation Army’s Back to School program.

“You can either phone the Salvation Army, or stop by,” said Jennifer Lorinczy, Community Ministries Co-ordinator. “You have to fill out an application. It’s a very simple process, though.”

Monday, August 13th is the last day applications will be accepted.

Donations are also being accepted.

“Our goal is to send the kids back to school with a brand new backpack, maybe lunch kit, a pencil case, just a few things that they need like markers, rulers, pencil crayons, crayons, pens, paper, notebooks, just things like that, that they need, that the school requires them to start the year off,” said Lorinczy.

She noted the supplies should be new, with the exception of some binders if they’re in good shape. The Salvation Army is also accepting monetary donations and gift cards. Donations can be made directly to the corps.

She added that Back to School program is 100 per cent confidential.