Operation Backpack fills a need in the community

An act of community goodwill that began a decade ago has grown into a labour of love for Hamilton steelworkers and friends.

Twelve years ago, Operation Backpack delivered 92 backpacks to local schools to help students.

This year, the need has grown yet again, which brought dozens of volunteers to the Steelworkers Hall on Barton Street East to fill 2,000 backpacks with school supplies.

Darren Green, president of the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council, noted the increased pressure on families in the face of rising inflation. Some of these families are in dire straits," said Green.

Working with major partners Stelco and ArcelorMittal Hamilton East, area locals and other community groups, the backpacks were quickly filled and distributed. Seven hundred were destined for Simcoe and London, 500 for St. Matthews House, and the remaining 800 divided among 19 local schools in Hamilton.

Barry Gray is a Hamilton-based photojournalist at The Spectator. Reach him via email: bgray@thespec.com