Lyn Lomasi / CC

Just two weeks to go until the first day back to school.

With costs skyrocketing, it’s tough for many families to think about purchasing school supplies.

Executive Director for Moncton Headstart Caroline Donelle says there’s already a need to fill almost 600 backpacks, “Last year, we filled 841 backpacks, so the need for 564, when we still have two weeks to go is a lot.”

Donations of school supplies are needed, and monetary donations are also being accepted.

“Backpacks seem to be in short supplies, looseleaf, rulers, pencils, markers, crayons, glue sticks, and scissors all seem to be high on the list. If people want to donate, you can drop items directly off at our office on Mountain Road, or at any participating Jean Coutu locations,” Donelle says.

For those in need, the deadline to apply is August 31, “You can find the forms easily. We’ve made it really easy now to apply for school supplies, Go on to our website, Monctonheadstart.com. Find the tab that says Get Involved and then click on Community Outreach, and from there you’ll go directly to the school supplies application. It’s very clear in the application, for basically anyone who needs school supplies for kids at home who find the cost is out of reach. Please apply, we’re here to help,” Donelle states.

Pick-up of school supplies will begin next week, on Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 am to 4 pm starting on Monday, August 22 until September 2.