Toronto mall is helping a children’s charity prepare local kids for the school year, Canada Reviews

The school year has officially begun, and one local Toronto mall has launched a school supply drive to help kids start the school year off right.

Yorkgate Mall is back with its second annual Countdown to Class! School Supplies Drive, in support of The Children’s Breakfast Clubs. The amazing local organization has been around for 40 years, providing healthy meals and educational, cultural and recreational activities to children and youth across southern Ontario.

Running through Sept. 13, the mall, at 1 Yorkgate Blvd. is asking visitors to help fill the yellow School Bus donation box located near BMO with much-needed school supplies. Any and all supplies necessary for a successful school year would be appreciated, though the most-needed supplies for these students include pens, pencils, pencil cases, markers, crayons, rulers, notebooks, lunch kits, refillable water bottles, 3-inch binders, scientific calculators, highlighters, USB sticks and combination locks.

As more and more donations are collected, The Children’s Breakfast Clubs will be distributing the supplies throughout the communities they support to ensure students are well-prepared for the beginning of the school year. The organization works with more than 30 communities across southern Ontario — in addition to distributing supplies, they work with community partners to organize nutritious, balanced and culturally reflective breakfast programs, serving over 5,000 meals per week. They also offer a variety of programs and services designed to empower young minds and affect positive change in our communities.

As part of the North York neighbourhood, Yorkgate Mall has returned to this popular initiative for a second year with the goal of encouraging some community support for members who need it.

“As the need in our community continues to grow, we’re asking for the public’s help. During tough economic times, it can be difficult, but school supplies are an integral part of a students’ success. Our goal is to help children in our community get off to a great start this back-to-school season,” says Chris Couch, marketing associate at Yorkgate Mall.

For a full list of most-needed school supplies, check out yorkgatemall.com.