Volunteers from various organizations came out on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 for the “Stuffing Party” at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre for the United Way Northumberland’s Backpacks for Kids.
Starting at 9 a.m. the Cobourg Lions Community Centre was transformed into a hub of community investment as volunteers and donors assemble 850 brand-new backpacks for local children in need.
The Backpacks for Kids Stuffing Party, a cornerstone of United Way Northumberland’s Community Investment Strategy, ensures students start the school year equipped with new essential school supplies, from scientific calculators and math kits to crayons and markers, but also with tools for health, literacy, and nutrition.
The program has been going on since 2005 said April Day, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator.
Grades two to five also come with hardcover books.
“We’re also incorporating literacy for those children who are either starting out a bit behind or who are in the IEP program.”
Day said that thanks to the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, every backpack will include oral health kits to help students care for their smiles. Younger grades will also receive books to foster early literacy and a lifelong love of reading. And through a partnership with Northumberland Food 4 All, each backpack comes with school snacks to help fuel learning from the first day of school.
The backpacks are for junior kindergarten up to grade 12.
The program is free and community funded.
“We build one backpack at a time.”
“Times are difficult right now. There are people out there in our community struggling. We can’t change everything in a day and we know that.”
“(Some families are) one step away from their rent not being paid. So if we can help with packed crayons and help with school supplies to get them over that first hump getting their kids back into school that’s what makes me happy.”
The backpacks will be distributed to families registered with Northumberland County Social Services, local food banks, and non-profits across the region, with pickup points at the Lions Centre and our United Way office later in the week. Deliveries will also be made to rural food banks to ensure equitable access throughout the county.
“The Stuffing Party isn’t just about backpacks, it’s about meeting kids’ basic needs so they can focus on learning,” says Alicia Vandine, Executive Director of United Way Northumberland. “Many families face impossible choices between school supplies and groceries. By including snacks and launching our School Nutrition Program later this month, we’re tackling hunger where it hits hardest: the classroom.”
Ryan Huffman from Ryan Huffman Real Estate started helping out financially and loading the backpacks in 2024.
“It was a no-brainer that we signed up this year and made sure we could help those that are in need with this amazing program.”
When he first learned of the program he was “shocked” at the need.
“As soon as you attach the youth aspect and the need and to see how much need there is – it’s crazy how this community gets together and pulls things like this off.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
