POUGHKEEPSIE– United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region (UWDOR) successfully hosted its annual School Supply Distribution on Wednesday, August 20th. For many families in our community, the cost of back-to-school supplies is a significant burden. Pencils, notebooks, backpacks and art supplies – these essential items can quickly add up, leaving some children feeling unprepared and left behind before the first bell even rings.
United Way believes every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their family's income. That's why they launched the annual Back to School Supply Drive!
The event provided school supplies to 22 non-profit organizations and local schools in Dutchess and Orange Counties can in turn distribute to the families that they serve. Agencies are still reaching out for school supplies. UWDOR will be working to assist them as well.
Volunteers from Hudson Valley Credit Union helped to organize our supplies. Then, Central Hudson volunteers arrived early to set up all the supplies on the distribution day.
According to Rebecca Lull, Director of Community Impact for UWDOR, several businesses and organizations were instrumental in providing school supplies to local children. "We are incredibly grateful to businesses who ran collection drives," Lull said. "Thanks to their support, we were able to provide much-needed school supplies to school-age children in our community."
The organizations thanked for their contributions are: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp, Child Care Council of Dutchess & Putnam, Inc, Club Pilates-Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County Government, Geodis, Hudson Valley Credit Union, James L. Taylor/Main Printing/Veith Electric, LaGrange Association Library, Millbrook Library, Petro Home Services, PKF O'Connor Davies, Pleasant Valley Library, RBT CPAs, LLP, Rhinebeck Bank, TEG Federal Credit Union, TD Bank.
In addition to receiving school supplies non-profits were given the opportunity to shop in the United Way's Essential Needs Supply Hub, located in the basement of the United Way's building. The Hub features new personal care products, clothing for children and adults, children's toys, and household items - all donated by stores like Walmart and Target and other generous individuals in our community.
Beyond the initial school supply drive, the United Way also holds Days of Sharing events throughout the year, allowing registered non-profits to shop for their clients.
To volunteer or learn more, visit uwdor.org.