United Way of Passaic County - Backpacks 4 Kids!

Volunteer for our 19th Annual Backpacks 4 Kids Program.

Every summer United Way of Passaic County, in partnership with dozens of Passaic County organizations and businesses, hosts Backpacks 4 Kids – the largest school supply program of its kind in Passaic County! The Backpacks 4 Kids program is part of a larger United Way initiative to increase the academic success and high school graduation rates of children in Passaic County. The program is a combined effort between area businesses and employees to provide backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year.

When

Monday, August 19th and Tuesday, August 20th at the Passaic County Public Safety Academy, morning shift 9am till 12 noon; afternoon shift 1pm to 4pm.

Volunteers are needed to fill backpacks, count and sort filled backpacks, and prepare quantities for schools to pick up.  

Who receives the backpacks?

Schools and community organizations serving low-income families throughout Passaic County.

Volunteer Description for Backpacks Program

• Pre-Filled backpacks from donors - sort backpacks by age and gender of intended recipient. 
• Fill empty backpacks - with school supplies and sort according to age and gender. of intended recipient. 
• Assist with distribution to recipient schools or non-profit organizations.
• Schedule with United Way staff to be part of the distribution.
• Picking up and delivering donations to participating schools.

For more information:

Please contact Caroline Schneider, at 973.279.8900 x207 or carolines@unitedwaypassaic.org.

Other Ways to Help with Backpacks 4 Kids

1. Host a Drive - you can choose to collect backpacks, collect supplies, or collect full backpacks with supplies.
2. Sponsor a Classroom - In certain high-need schools, Backpacks 4 Kids will supply the needs of entire classrooms. You can help with a collection drive or monetary donation to sponsor a complete class. We provide you with a list of requested school supplies and number of children.
3. Donate to the Campaign -  The United Way of Passaic County counts on the generosity of both individuals and corporations to help maintain and increase our impact in the community. Please visit our website at www.unitedwaypassaic.org to contribute. Under Gift Notes please list Backpacks for Kids Program.