Join the Drive: Help Us Fill 1,000 Backpacks This Summer

Framingham, MA – [July 9, 2025] – The United Way of Tri-County is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Tools for School Backpack Program, an annual initiative that provides local children and youth with backpacks filled with grade-specific school supplies to help them start the academic year prepared and confident.

For over 30 years, the United Way of Tri-County has been dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, has the necessary tools to succeed in school. In 2024 alone, the program partnered with 168 local companies and community members to distribute over 1,000 backpacks to children through 17 community agencies.

“Our goal is to remove barriers to learning by making sure students have what they need on day one,” said Director of Volunteerism, Barbara LaGrenade of the United Way of Tri-County. “When children arrive at school with the right supplies, they feel included, confident, and ready to learn.”

The need remains strong, as illustrated by one Marlborough parent who shared, “I moved to Marlborough last year and participated in the backpack program due to a financial set-back. I really thought I would be back on my feet by this year, but I am not there yet. We have three children registered in the school program and I am so grateful as we struggle again this year financially.

Thank you so much!”

Four Ways to Get Involved
Community members and organizations are encouraged to participate in this impactful program in one of the following ways:

1. Sponsor a Student:
Choose a specific student and shop for a backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies based on their individual preferences. Donors will receive the child’s first name, age, gender, and backpack design request. All completed backpacks must be labeled with the student's tag number and delivered to United Way by August 14th. Learn more or sponsor a child at: www.uwotc.org/backpack

2. Host a Drive:
Organize a backpack and school supply collection drive at your business, organization, or community group. Donations should be ready for pick-up or delivery by August 8th. Supplies can also be purchased through the program’s Amazon Wish List at Amazon.com.

3. Make a Monetary Donation:
A $50 donation covers the cost of one backpack filled with supplies. Contributions can be made securely online at www.uwotc.org/backpack

4. Volunteer:
Volunteers are needed to sort supplies, assemble backpacks, match donations with specific requests, pick up donations from partners, and deliver backpacks to local agencies.

The United Way of Tri-County believes that every child deserves the chance to succeed in school. With community support, the 2025 Tools for School Backpack Program will once again ensure that hundreds of local students are equipped to learn and thrive.

For more information, supply lists, and FAQs, please visit www.uwotc.org/backpack.

About the United Way of Tri-County
The United Way of Tri-County is a community-based organization serving people in need across MetroWest and beyond. Through direct services, partnerships, and advocacy, UWTC works to advance the common good by focusing on education, income stability, and health, the building blocks for a good quality of life.
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