Wilmington, DE — (August 23, 2023) United Way of Delaware (UWDE) and Delaware 211 will host their third Annual School Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 26, from 11:30 – 1:30 at the North Wilmington Public Library, 3400 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE. Back-to-school should be a time of excitement and anticipation, but for many families in Delaware, it is a time of financial stress and worry. Every year, the cost of school supplies rises, leaving families with an enormous burden to shoulder. This year, it’s estimated that families will spend between $200 to $300 per child on school supplies. UWDE’s third Annual event helps to lift this burden for local families by providing bookbags and essential school supplies for students.
Our goal is to give away at least 500 backpacks loaded with grade-appropriate school supplies at this event. This is our second event this month; UWDE and our partners gave away over 500 backpacks at the Dover Library in Dover on August 12. In addition to the backpacks and school supplies, the Resource Fair will include representatives from many of our community organization partners, entertainment featuring a Drum Line performance by YMCA Essence Legacy, a parent workshop, and refreshments. All are welcome; no student will leave without a backpack and school supplies.
The following community organizations will be part of the Resource Fair:
| The PAL Center | Delaware 211/Stand By Me | Christina Adult Education |
| PAWS for People | Assurance Wireless | AmeriHealth Caritas |
| DSSC-Family Support Center | Child, Inc. | Reading Assist |
| Delaware Blue Coats | Delaware Readiness Teams | Latin American Community Center |
| Christiana Care | Reading Assist | Holistic Elevation LLC |
| The Bride Clinic | Westside Health | Parent Information Center |
| Books, Balls, and Block | Thrive Girls Inc | Quality Insights |
Ken Livingston, UWDE’s Get Delaware Reading Director, said, “Sending children off to school is always expensive, but inflation this year has impacted the price of school supplies, which means many students may not have what they need to start their school year excited and ready to read. Our Program will help set them off to a strong school year.”
Anyone who would like to donate or volunteer can do so here: uwde.org/events/back-to-school-giveaway2023/.
About United Way of Delaware
Founded in 1946, United Way of Delaware (UWDE) works to advance the common good by focusing on four key areas: Early Education, Career and College Success, Financial Empowerment, and Racial Justice and Social Equity. UWDE is engaged in a long-term strategy to eliminate the root causes of Delaware’s most pressing social problems in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. UWDE is also responsible for the United Way brand in Salem County, New Jersey. Learn more and #JoinTheFight at www.uwde.org.
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