Pack-a-Sack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What grades does Pack-a-Sack support?

Pack-a-Sack serves students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) communities.

I'm not sure if I live in an OCH community. How can I check?

You can verify your address by clicking here.

Can I get a backpack through Pack-a-Sack even if I don't live in an OCH community?

No. Our programs only serve tenants living in OCH communities. However, you can call 2-1-1 to find a community organization that can help you.

Are Pack-a-Sack backpacks really free?

Yes, all our programs including Pack-a-Sack are free to access. Families do not pay anything to receive backpacks and school supplies. 

How do I register my child for a Pack-a-Sack backpack?

To receive a backpack, you must register through one of our partner agencies. We do not manage individual registrations directly. You can register in one of the following ways:

  • Through your local Community House (if you live in an OCH community served by one).
  • Through your local Community Health and Resource Centre.
  • By calling 2-1-1, who can connect you to the appropriate agency.

Full registration details and links are listed here under the section, “How can tenants access this program?”

How are backpacks distributed to families?

Once registrations are finalized, our team packs the required number of backpacks and delivers them to community houses and resource centres across the city. Our partners then distribute the backpacks directly to registered families in their communities. This coordinated approach ensures efficiency, privacy, equitable distribution and avoids duplication of efforts.

I missed the August 1st registration deadline. Can I still get a backpack?

The August 1st deadline helps us plan and pack the correct number of backpacks for each community. However, depending on availability, our team may still be able to help. Please contact our team as soon as possible, and we will do our best to help.

Contact our team

Can I donate used school supplies or backpacks?

While we appreciate the generosity behind these offers, we do not accept any used or second-hand supplies. All Pack-a-Sack items are purchased new and in bulk to ensure good quality and durability, consistency with school board supply lists and equity for every child. Every student deserves to start the school year with brand-new supplies that make them feel confident and prepared.

Can my organization host a backpack or school supply drive for Pack-a-Sack?

We are deeply grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm behind these offers. However, we prefer monetary donations rather than independent supply drives. Here’s why:

  • Bulk purchasing keeps costs down, allowing us to stretch every dollar further.
  • Supplies are standardized according to school board lists.
  • Backpacks are intentionally free of visible branding to protect the dignity and privacy of the students who receive them.
  • Standardization ensures that no child feels singled out or different because of the backpack they receive.

If you or your organization would like to get involved, we encourage you to:

  • Make a donation
  • Join our 24-hour Pack-a-Thon as a sponsor
  • Host a fundraiser in support of Pack-a-Sack

We would be happy to work with you to help you find a meaningful and impactful way to support the program. Please feel free to contact our team if you’d like to get involved.