Region – Close to 700 families with school-age children in the Metrowest/I-495 area will receive backpacks filled with school supplies through the United Way of Tri-County’s Tools for School program.
For 22 years, the United Way of Tri-County has been bringing together local businesses, faith organizations, and individuals to hold supply drives and sponsor children with a backpack and school supplies for their first day back to school.
“Residents and the businesses community in this region understand the need, and they’re stepping up in a big way,” said Paul Mina, president and CEO. “They realize by helping children thrive in school, they’re also giving them a better chance to succeed.”
Backpacks are filled by volunteers and through United Way partner agencies distributed to children prior to the start of the school year. Each child will receive a grade-appropriate pack full of everything from notebooks and pens, to glue sticks and protractors, all the tools they need to have a successful year.
The United Way would like to thank all corporate and individual donors, and acknowledge the following for their continued assistance: Julia Chase, Scott McParland, Lane Lovell, Acadia Insurance, Athena Diagnostics, Avidia Bank, Bose Corporation., BJ’s Wholesale Club, CA Technologies, Comcast, The Davis Companies, Intel, MetroWest Medical Center, Middlesex Savings Bank, St. Mary’s Credit Union, Stratus Technologies, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The TJX Companies, and Xtalic.
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring a child or holding a supply drive should contact the United Way’s Director of Volunteerism Barbara LaGrenade at 508-370-4902 or email at Barbara.LaGrenade@uwotc.org. Donations of backpacks and supplies must be picked up or delivered to the United Way’s Marlborough Community Cupboard during the week of Aug. 15. Financial donations are always accepted and can be made through the United Way’s website at www.uwotc.org/backpack or by mailing a check to the United Way of Tri-County Tools for School at 255 Main St., Room 113, Marlborough, MA 01752. A gift of $25 will purchase a backpack full of supplies for one child.
