United Way volunteers pack nearly 1K backpacks for students ahead of new school year

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — As the back-to-school season approaches, teachers, parents and students across South Florida are preparing for the year ahead. Several community events are underway to help families get the supplies they need before classes begin.

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At United Way Miami, dozens of volunteers gathered Saturday for the organization’s annual back-to-school drive.

Event organizers said between 75 and 100 volunteers from United Way Miami partner and sponsor organizations are packing nearly 1,000 backpacks with essential classroom supplies, including notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons and other materials.

The effort aims to help ease the financial burden many families face as school costs continue to rise. School supplies can cost up to $150 per child, making it difficult for some households to afford everything students need to start the year prepared.

The filled backpacks will be distributed next week to students across Miami-Dade County.

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United Way Miami leaders said the goal is not only to provide supplies but also to give students the confidence to walk into their classrooms ready to learn on the first day of school.

“We want to make sure that parents aren’t having to make a decision between, ‘Do we buy a third meal or do I buy school supplies for the kids?’” United Way Miami vice president Ivette Diaz said. “This is our way, one of the many ways in which we support the community and the folks that we provide resources to.”

Organizers said the backpack drive is one of several back-to-school initiatives planned this month. The organization continues to work with local businesses, donors and volunteers to support students and families throughout Miami-Dade County.

The backpack assembly event will continue through the morning, with volunteers working to fill each bag with the supplies students need to begin the school year on the right foot.

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