Windsor, ON – United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County is launching its annual Backpacks for Success drive and hopes to fundraise throughout the summer and fill 1,000 backpacks with school supplies for children living in low-income.
Back-to-school season is an exciting time for many children as they look forward to the year ahead, but unfortunately, some children don’t have access to the supplies and resources they need for a successful school year. United Way’s Backpacks for Success program provides students in kindergarten through grade 12 in Windsor-Essex County with backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies they need for school.
“It’s been a challenging year for children and youth as they navigate their education during a pandemic. We hope that having the supplies they need to succeed in school will mean one less barrier for students and families come September,” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County.
Providing kids with back-to-school supplies increases classroom participation, attendance and student morale. For just $25, donors can support one backpack filled with school supplies. It’s easy to donate or fundraise online this year at www.weareunited.com/backpacks.
United Way encourages a financial donation this year, but if the public wishes to drop off new and unused school supplies or backpacks or books, they can visit the United Way offices during the month of July on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. or contact the office at 519-259-6164 or email azuccato@weareunited.com to arrange a drop off time. The book drive is being supported by Women United.
Backpacks and books will be distributed to children through existing United Way programs and other non-profit partners serving children and youth before the school year begins.
Contact: nlesperance@weareunited.com
Last updated on September 28, 2021