Case Studies

Confidence, creativity, and a sense of community - all thanks to school bag donations

"When young people arrive at school with the right tools, they feel included, ready to learn, and more confident in themselves. Something as simple as a school bag can make a big difference in their sense of belonging and readiness for the year ahead."

Leanne McIntosh, Fundraising Manager, All Life Chances

"Getting a new bag made it easier to keep all my school stuff organized, so I can focus on learning and not worry about forgetting things. It really helped me start the year off on the right foot."

Emma, age 14

Background

Before the school term began, All Life Chances invited supporters to buy a school bag for a child other than their own. The idea was simple: to help children start the year with confidence, equipped for learning and feeling included among their peers.

The response was fantastic. Thanks to people’s generosity, many young people across Aberdeen started school with brand-new bags filled with essentials.

But something unexpected happened too. One local school used the donated bags as inspiration for their photography group, turning a practical item into a creative expression of identity, belonging, and community.

Support required

While the campaign succeeded in providing lots of bags, the need remains ongoing. Many families across the city continue to struggle with the costs of school uniforms, equipment, and essentials.

🎒Continued support for annual school bag drives

✏️Donations of stationery and learning materials to accompany the bags

📝Funding for creative projects that help young people explore confidence, identity, and belonging.

Support provided

With the generosity of local individuals, families, and businesses, All Life Chances was able to:

✔ Distribute new school bags to children across multiple schools in Aberdeen

✔ Provide a practical boost to families facing financial challenges

✔ Inspire creativity through the photography group, showing how small acts can spark wider impact

Impact

🌟Increased Confidence: Starting the school year equipped helped children feel included and ready to learn.

💡Unexpected Creativity: A photography group turned donated bags into an art project, exploring themes of identity and belonging.

🤝Community Spirit: Donations demonstrated the power of collective kindness, reinforcing a sense of shared responsibility for children’s futures.

📢Ripple Effect: What began as a simple appeal grew into something that fostered both practical support and creative expression.

Future plans

🎯Expand the school bag initiative to include stationery packs and other essentials.

🎯Support more creative school-based projects that help young people explore confidence and community.

🎯Build long-term partnerships with local businesses to ensure sustainability of annual drives.

Working in partnership

All Life Chances is committed to working with schools, community groups, and businesses to ensure no child starts school at a disadvantage. The school bag initiative shows how even the smallest gestures can have a meaningful and lasting impact.

Can you help?

Would you like to support next year’s school bag appeal? Could your business contribute essentials, funding, or sponsorship to help local children start school equipped, confident, and included?

If your answer is YES, please call 01224 976300 or email hello@alllifechances.org to find out more.

💙 Together, we can make a difference.