It's In The Bag!
Learn More about United Way's Community Drives

Hunger-Free Seniors: March - May                                    

Backpacks for Kids! : June - August                                             

Winter Wishes: October - December

Click here for more information about holding a drive.  

For additional information; to arrange a drive at your school, office or community group; and/or to become an
It's In The Bag Drive Sponsor; please contact Jackie Park Albaum, Engagement Manager,
at (908) 353-7171 Ext. 212 or Jackie@unitedwaypassaic.org.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

Each year we hold collection drives to support our work and targeted groups in the communities we serve. Thousands of individuals have benefited from these drives. Hundred of business, individuals and groups have contributed to the success of these drives.

ABOUT OUR DRIVES

Each drive features a custom collection bag that is distributed to businesses, schools and community groups. Our Backpacks for Kids! supply bag features a printed school supplies list, the Winter Wishes collection bag provides information on a child/adult in need and the Hunger-Free Seniors bag includes a Whole & Healthy shopping list.  

* NEW FOR 2011! HEALTH: HUNGER-FREE SENIORS (March-April-May)

Food insecurity and hunger among seniors is expected to increase in the next 15 years. Hunger-Free Seniors serves a targeted group of low-income seniors who have health issues and are living alone.  The program combines the strategies of food stamp enrollment, Meals on Wheels enrollment and supplemental food delivery to maximize the nutritional benefit for the seniors. The community is encouraged to hold drives for specific items, a certain number of complete senior food bags and/or to sponsor a food bag.

* EDUCATION: BACKPACKS FOR KIDS (June-July-August)

United Way’s school supply program – the largest of its kind in Passaic County–is part of a larger United Way initiative to increase the academic success and high school graduation rates of children in Passaic County. More than 1,800 Passaic County children in need received backpacks filled with school supplies this past year..

* INCOME: WINTER WISHES (October-Novemeber-December)

For 10 years, United Way of Passaic County has held an annual winter drive to benefit underprivileged children and families throughout the County. United Way and dozens of partners join forces to host Winter Wishes—a six week long campaign to collect toys and warm winter clothing for local children and adults who would otherwise go without. Winter Wishes 2010 resulted in a grand total of over $28,000 in donations that were distributed to over 700 individuals (children to seniors!)