More than 1,800 Passaic County school-aged children in need received backpacks filled with school supplies this September through United Way of Passaic County’s sixth annual Backpacks for Kids! project. 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.

"We worked with numerous corporations, local businesses and community groups around the county to collect school supplies and backpacks," said Yvonne Zuidema, President and Chief professional officer of United Way of Passaic County.  Zuidema also added that the program grew by 80% this year. "We reached out to the community for assistance and received an overwhelming response. We could not have managed to fill 1,800 backpacks without the help of our volunteers. Not only do the backpacks contain much needed school supplies, over 1,000 of the backpacks included hand-written messages from volunteers urging the recipients to have a great year!”

Arlene Lester, State Farm’s Public Affairs Specialist says, “This is the third year that we have participated in the backpack program and we are delighted to do so. State Farm’s commitment to education includes K-12 and some higher-education programs. None is more fulfilling than putting school supplies in the hands of young minds as they are developing their love for learning. Our commitment to helping every child have the tools they need to succeed in society drives our philanthropic efforts in New Jersey and countrywide.”

Lester adds, “The work of the United Way of Passaic County is commendable as they meet the needs of the communities in which they serve. We count on their expertise to help us drive our community involvement efforts. “

This year’s backpacks were distributed to children aged five to twelve at Paterson Academy for Urban Leadership, Paterson School #5 and Passaic School #2. Volunteers from State Farm Insurance helped to hand out backpacks at Passaic School #2. Community organizations like the Family Success Center, Circle of Care, and Wafa House helped to distribute backpacks to children.

In addition, 250 backpacks were distributed at a Rising Stars Foundation event hosted at the Father English Community Center. The Rising Stars Foundation, founded by Cleveland Browns Defensive Back Mike "Pops" Adams and Arizona Cardinals Middle Linebacker Gerald Hayes, provides instruction and educational opportunities for numerous children in Paterson.

This year’s business donors and sponsors included (listed alphabetically): AARP 4192 Chapter, BAE, Bahama Breeze, Bayer, BP, Chatham Church of Christ, Enterprise, Felician College, First Presbyterian Church of North Haledon, FSR, JC Penney, Joy Christian Fellowship, Junior Girl Scouts, Macy’s, North Jersey Federal Credit Union, Our Lady of Consolation, PCTI, Prudential, Roche, St. Paul’s Church - Prospect Park, State Farm, Target Clifton and Wells Fargo Insurance.