It can be tough for many families to ensure that their kids have enough supplies when they go to school in the fall. This year, the Salvation Army was able to help some of those kids by providing a backpack filled with various supplies. The program has run for a number of years now and aims to help those who need a little boost at this time of year. 

"We were quite please," explained Ronza Reynard, Family Services Coordinator. "We helped 49 kids. We had people right up until yesterday looking for supplies. We were shooting for 50 so to help out 49 kids with their back to school supplies, I'm considering this to be very successful this year."

She adds that it was an increase from last year when they had 32 kids. 

"It was quite the jump. And we were hoping we were going to have a jump because we did have enough supplies for that amount."

She explained that with the food bank being busy, they anticipated more people would be interested in the back to school backpacks program as well. 

"We have quite a few clients accessing it on a regular basis. And we're seeing some people who haven't accessed it in a number a years, coming back to use the food bank. Right now we are gearing up for our Canada Post annual food drive which is on October 14. That is usually a good food drive that will fill our shelves and carry us into the winter."

She adds that they also receive a lot of support from local businesses during the Christmas season. 

The Estevan Lions Club also donated $3,000 to the food bank last week. 

"The community is very generous."

She adds that if people want to help, they can drop food items off at the Salvation Army.

"When they're getting their own groceries, they can pick up a few extra items, feel free to drop them off down at the Salvation Army and we will gladly accept it."

"If people have extra produce from their home garden, we can accept anything as long as it has not been processed in any way."

She adds that pickled vegetables and homemade jams and the like cannot be accepted.

"We can only take it when it's fresh out of the garden."

The Salvation Army is also hosting a Community Supper on September 19 at 5:30.

READ MORE: Salvation Army is Getting Ready for School