United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking the help of local companies to partner on a United Way Tools for School drive, which puts new school supplies into the hands of local children, making sure they start the new school year with the basic tools needed for success.
Drives will benefit hundreds of children of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and poverty-level families who qualify as in need through Suburban Essex County social service agencies.
Families with children in K-12 in the United States this year expect to spend $98 on school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks and pencils, according to the National Retail Federation. That does not include electronics, clothing and accessories.
United Way makes it easier to make donations by partnering with YouGiveGoods.com, which allows donors to make an online purchase of supplies that will be delivered automatically to United Way. Donations can be made online here.
Based on the needs expressed by local educators, United Way is collecting the following school supplies: backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, three-ring notebooks, book covers, filler paper, pocket folders, composition and spiral notebooks, index cards, calculators, pencils, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pens, highlighters, crayons, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, glue, tape, rulers, and scissors. In addition, school nurses have asked for personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, Band-Aids, and kindergarten and first grade-aged children’s underwear and socks. Gift cards that can be used to purchase items such as shoes and clothing are also appreciated.
For more information about holding a United Way Tools for School drive, email or call 973.993.1160, x503.