Students at over 20 schools across Lambton County now have the necessary school supplies.
A total of $10,525.55 was raised during the 21st annual Back to School Supply Drive and barbecue by the Kiwanis Clubs of Sarnia-Lambton Golden K, Seaway, Forest and Petrolia.
Sarnia-Lambton Golden K President Sheila Donald said the group of clubs raised the most within the division, and Staples Sarnia General Manager Lynn Faubert said it's the most money that has been raised.
"Every single year we are able to get more and more and more, which is important," said Faubert. " Last year, we had 15 schools, this year we have 20 schools that were sending us their lists for their students that had requirements for the basic school needs."
Faubert said students needing school supplies has increased over the last couple of years.
"We always had 10, 12 schools participating, now it's over 20 and the need is great, so we really appreciate the generosity of the community," she said.
Donald said each year teachers provide a list of what items students need to the local Kiwanis groups and Staples.
"We don't need to know the kids' names, we just need to know what the kids need, to get them started on a solid footing for the next school year," she said.
When the drive is finished Staples Sarnia and Kiwanis come together and decide the amount each school will receive.
All supplies were delivered to the schools on September 26 and 27.
Donald said Sarnia-Lambton has always helped with the effort.
"I really thank all the members of the public for all their generosity, it's been wonderful over the years," she said.
Kiwanis members and Staples Canada executives celebrated the amount raised at the Sarnia location on October 30.