At U of T Bookstore we want to help any future U of T Students and other elementary kids get what they need. We have a used backpack collection bin in the U of T Bookstores at the St. George, Mississauga and Scarborough locations. Please donate your used backpack in exchange we will give you a bookstore coupon for 10% Off! (clothing).

To receive your 10% off coupon please:

• Go to the nearest cashier
• Show them your clean, used or new backpack
• The cashier will give you a coupon to redeem
• Use your coupon to shop in the U of T Bookstore (regular priced clothing)
• Smile! You've helped a hungry child

Blessings in a Backpack is a unique program designed to support schoolchildren who simply do not have enough to eat on weekends. Families who struggle with hunger or who are ‘food insecure’ rely on food banks and other resources during the week, but many cannot satisfy weekend needs.

The program works like this: kids take home a backpack filled with food every Friday and return the backpack empty on Monday, ready to start their week. How does this simple act help? The benefits and impact are immediate: attendance and productivity soar; students report greater attentiveness and improved energy; teachers see improvements in study habits and demeanour; parents feel relief and support for their own family. Above all, communities grow – and lives are changed.

Why used backpacks? Can't I just buy a new backpack and donate it?

After the program launched a Company donated some logoed, new, identical backpacks for the program. The children in the program were embarrassed that they needed help and were identified by their backpacks. Also, because some recipients live in an impoverished neighbourhood a new backpack made some children a target.

What else can I do to help?

Because Blessings in a Backpack receives discounted food from sponsors, feeding a single child on weekends throughout the school year only costs $100! And 100% of every donation is directed towards the program. However, you can donate what you want, online now.

For more information go to blessingsinabackpack.ca

You can donate online here: canadahelps.org