United Way’s Fall Backpack Drive was a big success!
UPS delivered backpacks and smiles to Garfield Elementary students
More than 300 children from low-income families received backpacks overflowing with school supplies, thanks to donations and volunteers from Ropes & Gray, Neiman Marcus, BRE Properties, UPS and the Oakland Raiders.
The back packs were delivered in September and October to children at programs supported by United Way, including the Hearing and Speech Center of Northern California, Raising A Reader and San Francisco’s Garfield Elementary School.
Here are some of the messages of thanks that United Way received from kids at the Hearing and Speech Center:
“I like my new backpack because it has lots of art stuff and lots of stuff I need for my desk.” — Julio, 7 years old
“I like my backpack because it has painting. And, I love painting. I did a lot of hand paints.” – Rafael, 6 years old
“I like my backpack because it is pink. Pink is my favorite color. I also like the elastic zipper.” – Ava, 6 years old
Want to get involved?  This holiday season, United Way of the Bay Area is organizing an “Adopt a Nonprofit” program to connect some of our best nonprofit partners with generous Bay Area companies. We are asking companies to fulfill a nonprofit’s wish list – items that the organization desperately needs as well as gifts for the families and children it serves.  Click to learn more: Adopt A Nonprofit.
