Give Every Child the Tools to Succeed
Imagine the excitement of a new school year – the fresh start, the new friends, the chance to learn and grow. Now imagine that excitement dimmed by the worry of not having the basic supplies needed to participate.
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 we are launching our annual Back to School Supply Drive!
How You Can Make a Difference
We are collecting a variety of new, unopened school supplies for students of all ages, from kindergarten through high school. See our wish list below for a comprehensive list of needed items.
Drop Off Locations:
- United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region: 75 Market Street, Poughkeepsie
- Millbrook Library: 3 Friendly Lane, Millbrook
- LaGrange Association Library: 1110 State Route 55, Lagrangeville
- Pleasant Valley Library: 1584 Main Street, Pleasant Valley
- TEG Federal Credit Union:
- Beekman-Poughquag Branch: 2540 State Route 55, Poughquag
- College Center Poughkeepsie Branch: 11 Marist Drive, Poughkeepsie
- Commerce Street Poughkeepsie Branch: 1 Commerce Street, Poughkeepsie
- Crystal Run Branch: 140 Crystal Run Road, Middletown
- Hyde Park Branch: 4282 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
- Modena Branch: 1981 Route 32, Modena
- Newburgh Branch: 16 N Plank Road, Newburgh
- Route 376 Wappingers Falls Branch: 900 Route 376, Nesheiwat Square, Wappingers Falls
- Route 9 Wappingers Falls Branch: 1145 US-9, Wappingers Falls
If you are interested in becoming a drop off location please contact Rebecca Lull at rlull@uwdor.org.
Prefer to make a monetary gift? Your financial donation allows us to purchase supplies in bulk, ensuring we can get exactly what is needed most and stretch your dollar further.
Rally your friends, family, colleagues, or community group to host your own back-to-school supply collection. It's a fantastic way to engage more people and amplify your impact! You can collect the supplies yourself and drop them off at one of our drop off locations (listed above under Donate New School Supplies) or you can sign up below to start a peer to peer fundraiser.
Why Your Support Matters:
- Academic Success: When students have the right tools, they are better equipped to participate in class, complete assignments and focus on learning.
- Increased Confidence: Having new supplies can boost a child's self-esteem and make them feel more prepared and enthusiastic about school.
- Reduced Family Stress: Your donation alleviates a financial strain on families, allowing them to focus on other essential needs.
- Community Impact: By working together, we can create a stronger, more supportive educational environment for all children in our community.
Our Wish List:
- Backpacks (all sizes)
- Notebooks (wide-ruled and college-ruled)
- Loose-leaf paper (wide-ruled and college-ruled)
- Pencils (#2)
- Pens (blue, black & red)
- Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Markers (washable)
- Glue Sticks
- Bottled Glue
- Scissors (blunt-tipped and pointed)
- Rulers
- Erasers
- Highlighters
- Folders (two-pocket)
- Binders (1-inch, 1.5-inch, 2-inch)
- Pencil Cases/Pouches
- Index Cards
- Calculators (basic and scientific)
- Construction Paper
- Dry Erase Markers
- Tissues