Backpack drive in Kingston, Ont. to support United Way

It’s time to start thinking about the start of the school year, and for some families it can be a stressful, expensive time.

On Thursday, MOVE 98.3 and PURE Country 99 in Kingston, Ont. hosted a Backpack Drive for United Way of KFL&A at the Cataraqui Centre.

The United Way’s Backpack Program connects kids with backpacks full of school supplies ahead of the start of the year.

Six-year-old Kai is donating a stylish new backpack, decked out with his favourite character.

"Baby Yoda," he tells CTV News Ottawa.

His mom said he picked it out himself, saying the kids who need it "might like it too."

Move 98.3, which is a Bell Media station, hosted the event live through the afternoon. The parent company of CTV News Ottawa is Bell Media.

Trinette Atkinson is a the afternoon drive host with Move 98.3. She says it’s important kids get the supplies they need.

"It’s so important, because you want to set them up for success," she explains. "And really kids are so excited as it is to go back to school. We don’t want them to have to deal with the stress of getting those supplies, to have what they need to have a great school year."

This school year inflation is a major factor for many families' budgets, and paper, pencils and school supplies can add up. The United Way says they expect to give out more than 2,000 backpacks, which is hundreds more than the last few years.

With so many bags to fill, many items are still needed. 

"There’s all sorts of things based on grades," he says. "Younger students, they’re going to want crayons, pens, pencils. As you get to high school students we need scientific calculators, math sets, we need rulers."

Hosting this event is a final push for that, before the bags will be distributed in the next few weeks. 

"You’re only a child once and you want to make it a really enjoyable experience for every kid," explains Atkinson. 

Here are the ways to donate:

The Kingston Frontenacs’ Shop at the Leon’s Centre (thanks to partners at the Kingston Frontenacs): August 8 – 11 or August 15 – 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

The Kingston Frontenacs’ Shop at the Leon’s Centre: August 15 – 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Those who wish to donate supplies and need to arrange a pickup can contact [e-mail] or to make a financial contribution to the backpack program, please visit www.unitedwaykfla.ca/donate/.