Help Local Students Start the School Year Strong

This summer, United Way of Passaic County is proud to launch Backpacks 4 Kids!, our annual school supply drive and one of the largest back-to-school initiatives in Passaic County.

The need has never been greater. Today, 1 out of every 2 families in Passaic County is ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—working hard every day, yet still struggling to afford basic necessities. When family budgets are stretched between rent, groceries, transportation, childcare, and healthcare, back-to-school supplies often become another financial burden.

A backpack may seem simple, but for a child, it can mean walking into the classroom prepared, confident, and ready to learn from day one.

Each year, Backpacks 4 Kids! mobilizes businesses, houses of worship, community groups, and individuals to provide thousands of local students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies—removing barriers and creating opportunities for success.

There are two ways to get involved:

🎒 Donate a Fully Stocked Backpack
Purchase and fill a backpack with grade-appropriate school supplies to help a local student start the school year ready to thrive.

🤝 Host a Backpacks 4 Kids! Drive
Bring together your coworkers, congregation, friends, neighbors, or family to collect school supplies, raise funds, or host a backpack packing event. It's a meaningful way to unite your community around a shared purpose and make a tangible impact.

If you would like to host a drive, click the link below for step by step support in making your drive a success!

Together, we can help ensure every child starts the school year with the tools, confidence, and opportunity they deserve.

United is the way to a stronger Passaic County. 

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Bethsaida Olds at bethsaida@unitewaypassaic.org