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Rimbey FCSS prepares back-to-school Kits for Kids program

Program helps families access needed school supplies
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(BLACK PRESS file image)

Rimbey FCSS is looking to ensure kids can learn with all the tools they need, come back to school.

The Kits for Kids program provides school supplies to families who need it. Residents can drop off school supplies to any of the drugstores, stationary stores, the Red Apple or to FCSS.

“We take families and kids who maybe can’t afford to get school supplies and build kits for them. We make sure they have the school supplies they need,” Jamie Coston, volunteer coordinator, said.

Coston said the program is even more important this year given strain caused by the pandemic.

“There is even more people out of work right now and this year I feel it will be a vital program. We are thinking it will be more than last year. Last year, we handed out 24 kits. We have a couple on the list already,” she said.

FCSS is accepting all supplies and they try to hand out as much as they can. If someone needs a kit, they can contact the FCSS office.

“We try to get it done before the start of school, but we do have situations where families move and things change. Last year we gave out a few later into September,” she said.

Charity golf

Coston was sad to announce there would be no FCSS Golf Tournament this year — their largest annual fundraiser which would have been in it’s 10th year.

“We cancelled it for safety reasons, but also because we know so many people are out of work and it is a really difficult time to ask for donations,” she said.

Coston said they will have to lean out some programs due to the loss of funds, but the loss of the tournament also means a social loss for FCSS.

“It was a great gathering. We would golf for the day and then have supper. It was really wonderful, because we would have people from all over the community. A lot of people are saying they are missing it,” she said

Other programming

The Rimbey Rimshaw continues to ferry citizens throughout town.

“The Rimshaw is still out and about. If anyone needs a ride, they can call the office and get a ride for free. A volunteer will come out and give them a ride,” she said.

Additionally, Coston said FCSS is already looking into their Christmas Hamper program — with need for the program expected to rise.

“We are trying to look at how we can run the Christmas Hamper program safely and smoothly. Last year, we did 84 hampers and this year we are thinking it will be that or more,” she said.

She added they also working on Good Neighbour Network.

“We would usually have a Block Party to promote the community and being a good neighbour. There has been a movement to get people knowing their neighbours and doing neighbourly things,” she said.

The network will be virtual due to public health orders.

We are asking people to do things to brighten up their neighbourhood and then post it on Facebook,” she said.

More information can be found at https://rimbeyfcss.com.