August 26, 2013

United Way Backpack and School Supply Campaign Benefits

Hundreds of Students in Dutchess Orange

POUGHKEEPSIE & MONTGOMERY – 400 students in grades kindergarten through 3^rdgrade will have a brighter start to the upcoming school year thanks to United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region in partnership with Cumulus Media. The drive was made possible through the generosity of CDPHP, Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, Hudson Valley Renegades, Office Depot, Walmart, Target and Stop and Shop.

Supplies were collected during the month of July and include: backpacks, markers, crayons, pencils, rulers, erasers, composition notebooks, folders, family passes to the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and family activity books with a community calendar and free/low cost activities for parents/children to do together.

In Dutchess and Orange counties, 67,000 people live below the poverty level. For families whose financial resources are already stretched thin, the additional expenses associated with purchasing back- to-school supplies can be burdensome. United Way is committed to supporting parents and caregivers so that their children can have the best possible start from birth through third grade - a time that research shows is a critical point in learning.

Backpacks were assembled with school supplies at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation on August 23. Volunteers who assisted with stuffing the backpacks also wrote a personal note of encouragement that will be included for each child.

Supplies were distributed on August 26 to nonprofits throughout Orange and Dutchess Counties. The Newburgh Armory Unity Center and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, in Poughkeepsie, served as two pickup locations.

“Educating our children takes a community,” said Don Hammond, President and CEO of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. “We are proud to partner with several local businesses who share our commitment to support the success of our children.”

United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life - a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family into retirement, and good health throughout retirement.

To learn more about the drive or to get involved with United Way, please contact United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region at www.uwdor.org or call 845-471-1900.