The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope is preparing 900 backpacks for students in Langley before the new school year begins. This annual effort is part of the Backpacks and School Supplies program, which supports children and teens in the Langley School District (SD35), from kindergarten to Grade 12.
The goal is to help students return to school with the supplies they need and the confidence to succeed. Jasmine Sidhu, the organization’s fundraising coordinator, confirmed that registration for this year’s program is now open. She said the Gateway of Hope runs this program every year to support local families who need help with school-related costs.
Each backpack is filled with new, age-appropriate supplies. These include items such as pencils, glue sticks, notebooks, markers, and more. The contents are selected based on the grade level of the child to make sure they are ready for the classroom.
Community support is a key part of the program’s success. Gateway of Hope is asking residents to donate school supplies or contribute money to help fill the backpacks. Donations of new supplies can be dropped off at 5787 Langley Bypass from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Volunteers and local partners will help pack the backpacks on August 14. The final distribution will take place just before the school year starts, on August 28. This timing ensures that all students have what they need before the first day of class.
Families interested in receiving backpacks must register in advance. They can complete the form on the Gateway of Hope’s website, call 604‑514‑7375, or email family services coordinator Andrea Voss at andrea.voss@salvationarmy.ca. The adult applying must be a parent or legal guardian and must provide two forms of ID.
The program aims to ease the burden on families during the back-to-school season. For many, buying supplies can be stressful and expensive. This initiative helps reduce that pressure and allows children to focus on learning from day one.
The Backpacks and School Supplies program has made a positive impact over the years. With help from donors, churches, and volunteers, Gateway of Hope continues to make sure no child is left behind when the school bell rings. Their team is working hard to support young learners and give them a strong start.
This community-driven effort shows how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. By coming together, Langley residents are helping students feel supported and prepared for success in the classroom.
