SUMMIT, New Jersey, June 29, 2023 – Family Promise Union County (FPUC) is hosting a back-to-school supply drive and fundraiser during the month of July for children in Union County who are experiencing homelessness. From July 1 through July 27, the nonprofit will be collecting backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies so students are prepared for the 2023/24 school year.
“Children experiencing homelessness are already at a disadvantage when it comes to education,” says FPUC Executive Director Geleen Donovan, noting that children who experience homelessness or shelter stays are at an increased risk for learning disabilities and academic failure, mental and physical health challenges, and even suicide.
“Their lives are in chaos,” she adds. “We don’t want them to start a new school year even further behind than they already are due to their housing situation. These children need as much support as we can provide.”
Family Promise’s month-long supply drive and fundraiser gives supporters the chance to make a difference in the life of a child in need and enable them to start the school year off poised for success. From July 1 – July 27, FPUC invites community members to purchase school supplies online through its Dreamlist. Alternately, supporters can purchase items from FPUC’s supplies and drop them off at 11 Plymouth Road, Summit, NJ, by July 27.
On July 27, FPUC will host an in-person open house at the Family Promise national office located at 71 Summit Avenue in Summit. The community is invited to stop in any time between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. to help fill backpacks with the donated items.
“After all the remote volunteering we’ve coordinated since the onset of Covid, we’re looking forward to seeing friends and supporters in person working together for the benefit of Union County schoolchildren!” says Donovan. “And we’re excited to be able to level the playing field a bit for these kids when it comes to the new school year.”
Friends can also make a donation to Family Promise to support FPUC’s work with families in Union County. You can learn more about the event here.
About Family Promise
Founded in Summit, New Jersey, in 1988, Family Promise is the leading national nonprofit addressing the crisis of family homelessness. The organization, comprised of approximately 200 Affiliates, tackles the range of issues that can lead to homelessness. From prevention services to emergency shelter to post-program stabilization, Family Promise ensures families develop vital skills, have access to critical resources, and receive ongoing support to achieve lasting independence. The organization has served more than one million individuals since its founding. Family Promise Union County is a program of the national office that serves children and families in Union County, NJ. For more information, visit familypromise.org.
