REGION – The United Way of Tri-County’s annual Tools for School backpack drive is under way.
United Way Director of Volunteerism Barbara LaGrenade is working with 18 local agencies to give more than 1,000 backpacks filled with supplies to local children.
Those interested in helping the drive can do so by either donating $25 for each backpack and required supplies, choosing a child to sponsor and buying the child the backpack and supplies needed, purchasing back-to-school supplies on Amazon or volunteering to help assemble the backpacks and supplies.
“Kids may not always speak up, but having a backpack full of essential supplies; notebooks, rulers, pencils and art supplies, is reassuring,” said United Way of Tri-County President and CEO Paul Mina in a press release. “Arriving outfitted for the start of school helps them feel confident in their ability to perform at school and with the proper supplies, realize added independence, self-assurance and the start of a successful school year.”
People can also purchase school supplies and deliver them directly to the Marlborough Community Cupboard, but the press release said they should coordinate with LaGrenade by calling her at 508-370-4902.
United Way asked that all backpacks be delivered by Aug. 19 before they are distributed to children on Aug. 22.
To donate, people can visit the United Way Tools for Schools page at https://www. uwotc.org/backpack.
