It’s time to “Block the Bus,” a summer initiative to help single parent families purchase school supplies.

Danielle Seaward, Executive Director of the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, says the average backpack of school supplies costs $150 per child, and more than $200 for high school students. For a single-parent family, it can be a very stressful time of year.

The association is seeing record-breaking demand this year, which is no surprise given the high cost of livings. Last year they distributed just about 700 backpacks province-wide and already this year they have over 300 children registered.

Donations can be dropped off at the association office on Logy Bay Road or at the Village Mall or one can go through the website.