Families to receive free back-to-school packs

John Barry

A Cork initiative is helping families in need ahead of the new academic year.

This year Feed Cork is again partnering with the Department of Social Protection and High Street Books to provide free back-to-school packs for families in need of assistance.

Feed Cork’s Director Hamp Sirmans said: “These packs come at a much needed time for Cork families struggling with back-to-school costs. With rising housing prices, it can be a very difficult time of year, with many families turning to high interest loans as a solution. Our aim is to provide a modicum of relief for families struggling.”

In August 2018, Feed Cork distributed over 700 packs received from the Department of Social Protection. This year they received over 2,000 packs and hope to help more struggling families in Cork. Each school pack includes a simple school bag filled with all the basic school supplies for students in primary and secondary school.

Supplies include pencils, copies, math sets, biros, rulers, erasers, coloured pencils, markers, aluminium water bottles, and sharpeners.

Mr Sirmans said: “Last year, we distributed 700 packs and families were so thankful and delighted with the help. This year we asked for more packs because we knew there were a whole lot more families in our area that could use the help. High Street Books have also contributed this year, providing a lot of extras that will help round out the school packs.”

“Packs will be offered on a first come first serve basis. To receive a school pack, please bring one proof of ID, along with a PPS numbers for each child receiving a pack. No details will be collected or recorded.”

Extra school supplies will also be available, so participants are encouraged to bring school lists.

Feed Cork will be distributing the packs on Saturday 24 August between 10am and 5pm, at their city centre location at Cork Church, Lower Oliver Plunkett Street, T12 FW18.