Together, we can inspire children and give them the tools to succeed in school.

Do you remember as a child that wonderful feeling of picking out things for a new school year? The smell of new crayons and glue...Arguing with your mom about sneakers?

These simple back to school rituals are how we let our children know that education is important. It's how we let them know that we believe in them and their ability to succeed in school. Back to school is supposed to be a wonderful time for children, filling them with anticipation, confidence and motivation.

Unfortunately, many children do not have this back-to-school experience. We live and work in a community where many children show up to school empty-handed on their first day. Our educational partners have told us that when kids arrive without the needed supplies, they are not ready to learn.

Every summer United Way of Androscoggin County, with your help, hosts the Backpack Project. This program - one of the largest of its kind in Androscoggin County - provides backpacks and school supplies for the upcoming school year to children in need. Last year, your gifts supported close to 750 children in our community. The Backpack Project is one of many ways that United Way works to increase the academic success and high school graduation rates of children in Androscoggin County.

In the spirit of community, service and collaboration please support the program again this year. Will you collect school supplies in your workplace and/or purchase items for the Backpack Project? Your contribution to this initiative will make a powerful statement in support of education for all the children in our community. To the right you'll find simple and easy ways you can join us in supporting the Backpack Project.