The annual Stock the Lockers event is on right now until the end of August through the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation. (Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

back to school

Stock the Lockers so youth can go back to class with what they need to thrive

Aug 19, 2023 | 8:45 AM

NANAIMO — An annual initiative to get school supplies into the hands of those who need it is back for the entire month of August.

The Stock the Lockers campaign, put on by the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation (NLSF), accepts monetary and school supply donations to help students get back to class with a full backpack.

Vice-chair for the NLSF Kathy Berg said this initiative actually goes beyond simple school supplies like pens and pencils.

“It also helps fund our programs. It helps students with any sort of needs that they may have. We’ve helped children in the past with dental work, therapy sessions if need be. Different ideas like that that aren’t just based around supplies, a backpack, or shoes.”

Their programs include Food4Schools which provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as scholarships, bursaries, and other enhanced learning initiatives.

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Cash donations can also help pay for things like grad fees, field trips, and letting kids participate in school sports.

According to the NLSF, one in five children in the school district is affected by poverty.

Berg said while they always appreciate supply donations, cash donations can be stretched a lot further and help way more students in need.

“If we buy in bulk we can get a bulk rate… and they’re might be something else that’s needed. Maybe one of those Chromebooks for high school students, that sort of thing.”

Berg told NanaimoNewsNOW around 1,200 kids received school supplies last year, with Stock the Lockers being an annual summer event over the past several years.

She said the need for programs like this unfortunately keeps increasing year after year.

“The first year when I started it was about 800 kids that we helped just after COVID, and it increased to 1,200 at the beginning of last year, and with inflation, we’re now helping about 2,000 kids.”

Their fundraising goal this year is $50,000.

Stock the Lockers runs until Aug. 31. For more information or to donate, click here to go to the NLSF website.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDNeyNow