Adopt-A-Child

The first day of school can be a tough time for needy children whose parents cannot afford a nice outfit and/or appropriate school supplies. A child’s self-image has a dramatic effect on performance in the classroom and the lack of a positive self-image can create lasting consequences.

United Way believes that the first day of school is an important event in a child’s life that is often overlooked. Thus, we started the Adopt–A–Child Back to School Program in 1999, where we served 30 children. We have continued this program each year and it has grown dramatically, with over 500 children served last year alone. This year, we expect the number of children in need to be even higher. We need your help!

We are currently in the process of recruiting donors for our program this year. We are hoping that the generous spirit of our local residents will extend to the many needy children in our area as they make their way back to school in the Fall. The future of many of these children depends on their performance in school and we want to ensure that all children are on a level playing field.

If you or your company wants to take part in this valuable program and help a child in need, please call Beverly at United Way (860-582-9559). You will be asked to provide a first day of school outfit for a child, along with a backpack filled with school supplies. We will provide you with a child’s first name, sex, clothing sizes, and favorite colors to help you in purchasing your gift. We would like to have all donations back to United Way by the first week of August, so that we may distribute the gifts before the first day of school.