One of the first steps to a successful school year is being prepared on the first day of school!
In September, United Way of Greater Union County hosted a Back-to-School drive giving out bookbags filled with school supplies. A long line of excited children and their families patiently waited their turn at various locations throughout Union County to receive a backpack. UWGUC secured the bookbags, provided the funding, and organized the distribution to various local agencies. Our partner agencies included the Hillside Family Success Center, the Plainfield Family Success Center, and the Plainfield Neighborhood Health Services Corporation. United Way of Greater Union County also provided bookbags to the following local churches: The First Church of God in Linden, Iglesia Cristiana Amor Agape in Roselle Park, and Iglesia Cristiana Luz en Las Tinieblas in Rahway. Collectively, United Way provided170 supply-filled bookbags to more than 60 families.
Fortunately, our Back-to-School drive came at a crucial time; right after the Union County community was devastatingly impacted by Hurricane Ida. Not only were the families provided free school supplies, but each book bag contained United Way of Greater Union County’s program flyers offering families access to financial aid, local family resources and support. Many families have since continued utilizing our agency’s services and connecting with critical resources in their townships.