Every child deserves to begin the school year with a backpack full of supplies and the confidence that comes with being prepared. But for more families than ever, back-to-school costs are a growing challenge, and some students are starting the year without the essentials.
From Right to Left, 1st Row: Jennifer Sims, Make A Difference Depot Lead, IDLF, Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director, IDLF, Emily Collins, Fundraising Development Coordinator, IDLF, Tiffany Kift, Executive Director, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Emily Fern, Director, St. Andrew's Community Food Bank, Laurian Bondswell, Community Program Coordinator, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Dana Bynoe, Community Engagement Manager, United Way of Durham Region, Jessica Hanson, Community Investment Manager, United Way of Durham Region. From Right to Left, 2nd Row: Lio Travis, Junior Marketing & Communications Coordinator, IDLF, Himm Lai, Junior Fundraising Development Coordinator, IDLF
This summer, six local organizations are working together through Operation Backpack to support children and youth heading back to school. The goal is simple: to ensure every student in Durham Region has what they need to feel prepared and confident on their first day of class.
The campaign includes a broad network of donation bins, supply drives, and community events. One highlight, the Stuff the Bus event in August, invites families, businesses, and supporters to help fill backpacks with school supplies for local students.
A First for Durham Region
This is the first time these organizations have coordinated their efforts in a unified way streamlining outreach, reducing duplicate asks, and increasing impact. By working together, the partners are making it easier for donors to give and ensuring more families get the support they need, when they need it most.
The partners include:
- Durham Children's Aid Foundation
- Durham Community Health Centre
- Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
- Simcoe Hall Settlement House
- St. Andrews Community Food Bank
- United Way of Durham Region
Last year, over 6,000 backpacks were distributed across the Durham Region. This year, by working together, the partners hope to extend their reach and support even more children across the region.
What Partners Are Saying
"It's not simply about supplies," says Julie Van Hartingsveldt, Executive Director of Durham Children's Aid Foundation. "It's about giving kids the confidence to walk into school ready to learn. And when we coordinate our efforts, we can do that better for more families."
"Last year, we supported nearly 1,600 students, and we know the need is growing," says Tiffany Kift, Executive Director of Simcoe Hall Settlement House. "Working in partnership means we can go further, reduce overlap, and make it easier for the public to support one coordinated effort. It's about putting the needs of families first and finding ways to work smarter as a community."
"We see the impact that access to basic supplies has on a student's confidence and ability to learn," says Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. "When families are struggling to meet basic needs, something like a full backpack can make all the difference. It's exciting to be part of a region-wide effort that puts dignity first and ensures we're reaching as many students as possible, together."
"We've seen year after year how generous our community can be," says Cindy Murray, CEO of United Way of Durham Region. "By coming together, we're creating one clear, united path for people to give and for students to receive the support they deserve."
"St. Andrew's has always believed in walking alongside our neighbours," says Emily Fern, Director of the St. Andrew's Community Food Bank in Whitby. "Being part of this shared initiative lets us contribute in a way that lifts up families across our region with real, tangible support."
How to Help
Community members can get involved by:
- Dropping off school supplies at public donation bins (locations will be posted online)
- Donating online to help fund supplies
- Hosting a donation bin at your workplace, school, or place of worship
- Attending Stuff the Bus on:
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Staples in the Oshawa Centre Parking Lot
To donate, get involved, or view the full supply list, visit:
https://idlf.givecloud.co/operationbackpack
backpacks@unitedwaydr.com
Operation Backpack.
Local kids. Local impact. Let's get them ready.
