Waterloo Regional Police is bringing back the Backpack Challenge for the fifth year in a row as we slowly head towards fall and another school year.
The objective of the challenge is to collect new backpacks, lunch bags and school supplies as well as gift cards to help send the kids to school with some new gear.
In the first four years of the challenge, police say residents and businesses in the area have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in more than 7,000 backpacks as well as gift cards and school supplies.
Police then pass the collected items, which are donated to regional organizations to be distributed to families and children, or to be made available for pickup at a children’s safety village.
“Getting a new backpack and school supplies is fun and exciting,” said Acting Chief John Goodman.
“We are reaching out to the community to help ensure that every child in the Waterloo area goes back to school feeling confident, excited and ready to learn.”
Those wishing to participate can unload items at any police department by August 23.
Anyone in need of a backpack can go police website To find pickup locations.
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