By Molly McCarthy, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – With the start of school just around the corner, so is the stress that many families feel as they face the challenge of buying school supplies for their children. That's where the United Way of Tri-County's 2013 Toolz for School Backpack Program helps out.
According to local United Way officials, last year the organization, thanks to the support of ?19 companies and 21 agencies, gave out over 800 backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies to children in need.
On Aug. 16, Bianca de la Garza, the popular WCVB-TV co-anchor, stopped by the United Way of Tri-County Marlborough Community Cupboard & Café's Main Street location to help promote this year's program and pass out a few backpacks.
“Anytime you can see a child light up by having everything they need and at the same time relieving some family stress is amazing,” de la Garza said. ?”Nothing is more important than for kids to have the tools for an education.”
Kadee Woods, 15, of Worcester, also helped volunteer at the event.
“I enjoy it and I like helping other people,” she said. “I just like that we are helping kids that don's have stuff.”
For more information and details regarding supporting the drive, Barbara LaGrenade at 508 – 370-4902 or [email protected].
Photos/Molly McCarthy