FREE Extra Backpacks 2025

Answer YES to ALL these questions:

1. Does your postal code start with "M", aka do you live in Toronto?
2. Did you NOT apply for backpacks through Toronto Cares this year?
3. Is your TOTAL household income, on your 2024 Notice of Assessment(s), UNDER $52,000?
4. Do you have VALID ID for ALL household members? (Photo ID required for all adults & must be the actual physical ID)
5. Do you NOT have school supplies for this year, & are NOT receiving from any other organization? 
6. Can you PICK-UP on Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th at the designated times and locations? (details below)

If you answered YES to all SIX (6) questions, then you are welcome to join us and get FREE school supplies!

Each backpack includes the following items for the most part:

• 15"-17" Backpack
• Lunch bag 
• Supply kit (notebook, folder, pencil case, ruler, pencils, pens, eraser, glue stick, crayons, pencil sharpener, etc) 
• Bonus kit (1/person) → Anxiety kit, Fidget kit, or Hygiene kit
• Reusable water bottle
• Additional supplies (1/person) →  everything from coloring supplies, to calculators, to math sets, to binders

1. Arrive at 1 of the 2 locations below, THIS WEEKEND (August 23rd or 24th, 2025), both locations near subway stations.
2. Bring your Notice of Assessment(s) for ALL adults living in the home.
3. Bring your actual physical ID (must be photo ID for adults) for ALL household members, even those not receiving backpacks. (Photos on your phone or photocopies are NOT permitted) 
4. Register on-site with a volunteer.
5. Select your own supplies from what we have leftover.

1. Your 2024 Notice of Assessment for ALL household members over 18 who are working or receiving assistance. 
2. Valid identification for ALL household members. (Must be photo ID for adults, no photos required for kids under 18, health cards accepted) 
3. If you're address has change since you received your Notice of Assessment, please bring a piece of government mail or a bill with your new address.

1. Drivers license
2. Health card
3. Passport
4. Ontario photo ID card
5. Indigenous status card
6. Refugee status paperwork (brown paper)
7. Refugee claimant paperwork 
8. Permanent residency card

* For any other form of ID, please email us see if we accept it, contact info below.

Both locations are within an 8 minute walk of the subway stations! ★ PLEASE do not arrive more than 1 hour before the start time. ★

EAST TORONTO: 

• Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
• From  3:00-4:00pm
• Holy Name Parish
• 71 Gough Avenue, side door
• Near Pape subway station

WEST TORONTO: 

• Sunday, August 24th, 2025
• From 3:30-4:40pm
• Lawrence Heights Community Centre
• 5 Replin Rd
• Near Lawrence West subway station

Please EMAIL Sarah, our Executive Director, at helping.toronto.intake@gmail.com