Across these three communities, nearly 950 children were sponsored and nearly $204,000 worth of donated items were collected.
"The program alleviates the financial stress associated with getting a child ready for school. Our programs are unique in that we provide personalized items for each child and volunteers love that they shop for specific children. It makes the experience more personal and gratifying," said Kim Morgan, CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut.
The 24th annual Back to School event was held in Danbury on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at Ellsworth Elementary School. This year, 35 area businesses, civic groups and individuals sponsored children by providing them with backpacks filled with schools supplies and a $100 gift card to purchase clothing. A total of 442 children were given the resources they need to be prepared for school. The estimated cost of sponsoring one child is $175, and the total value of donated items was $77,350.
In its 18th year in Stamford, the drive took place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at KT Murphy Elementary School. Thanks to the generosity of employees at 20 local companies, 140 Stamford students each received two new school outfits, a pair of sneakers, a winter coat, and grade-appropriate school supplies. The majority of the children attend KT Murphy Elementary School while some recipients attend Davenport Ridge and Roxbury Elementary Schools. The value of sponsoring one child is $250, totaling $35,000 worth of donated school supplies and clothing.
On Friday, Aug. 14, the 24th annual Back to School Drive was held at Kimberly-Clark in New Milford. This year, 366 children were given new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies, two new school outfits, a winter jacket, a pair of sneakers, socks, undergarments, and personal care items. The value of sponsoring one child is $250, totaling $91,500 worth of donated items this year.
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