Backlog of single parents needing K-12 school supplies, group says

A group that helps single parents in the province says it's seeing a bigger demand for back-to-school support this year.

The Single Parent Association of Newfoundlandis gearing up to distribute backpacks and supplies tomore than 300K-12 students later this week.

"It seems there are more people having crisis situations, and employment is not great," said executive director Elaine Balsom.

"Layoffs are coming, andsingle parents only have one source of income, and when that source disappears or becomes less, back to school can be quite expensive."

Balsomsaid because of the demand, the association has had to put some parents on a waiting list for backpacks. Now, the group is appealing to the public for help.

"We want every child to feel included, we do not want them to feel left out because they don't have supplies," she said.

Balsomsaidanyone looking to donate or volunteer can telephone, visitthe association's websiteor send her anemail directly.

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