Cochrane's Family Community Support Services (FCSS) backpack program is running until mid September.

The program has been running for the 7 last years and offers families who need assistance an extra hand up.

Annemarie Tocher, Resource Centre Coordinator, with FCSS, says the program grew out of recognized need.

"We do have folks in town that live with lower incomes or families who are going through transition who find the beginning of the school year stressful, financially. So it was our attempt to alleviate that stress for families."

Working in partnership with Cochrane Staples, FCSS is predicting to hand out roughly 180 backpacks to mostly middle and upper school students.

"Typically the lower grades, under grade 4, we don't tend to provide backpacks because the school's provide the actual supplies. So in terms of who we are actually supplying more the range of supplies to, it is the middle year and senior year grades."

Tocher shares the Cochrane community has always been very generous in supporting the program over the years.

"We have always been able to meet the demand  that exists every year because of community donartions, which has always been very heartwarming and so much appreciated."

If you would like to donate to the backpack program you can drop off your cash donation at Cochrane FCSS or Staples; if you are looking to request registration for the backpack program contact FCSS at 403-851- 2250.

Donations and registrations will be accepted until mid September.