| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/10/2009 |
Contact: Mary Godleski 609-494-4483 mgodleski@unitedwayac.org |
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UNITED WAY OF ATLANTIC COUNTY On June 21, United Way of Atlantic County kicked off their National Day of Action with a summer-long assignment called “Stuff the Bus”. The project focused on education, one of United Way’s four core priority areas. With the recent economic downturn and budget shortfalls looming, many Atlantic County families and schools suggested they were struggling to provide students with necessary supplies. United Way of Atlantic County stepped in and teaming with local businesses, churches, individuals and a variety of organizations, they decided to “Stuff the Bus” for students. In total, more than 1,500 school essentials were collected over a two-month period including backpacks, crayons, notebooks, paper, scissors, pencils and pens. The supplies, worth more than $3,000, were then delivered to hundreds of children at the Egg Harbor Township Community Center, the Pleasantville Family Center, AtlantiCare Center for Community Health, and the Hammonton Farmer’s Market during the Children’s Health Day Back to School Celebration. "There is a huge need in Atlantic County to provide children with basic school supplies. At first glance one might perceive this is a prosperous community, but in fact many of our citizens are simply trying to make ends meet. They may not be able to afford basic school supplies which children need to succeed in school,” said John Emge, Executive Director of United Way of Atlantic County. Local companies, such as New Jersey Manufacturers & Fairway Villas, community churches including Faith Baptist Church, St. Nicholas, and First United Methodist Church, along with a number of individual donations, contributed to make “Stuff the Bus” a success. "We would like to thank the church congregations and businesses that sponsored a drive, and every individual who donated items. Without their generosity, these children would not have the supplies they need to be able to keep up academically or the much needed self-esteem they develop as a result of achieving their goals. We applaud the community for stepping up to this challenge," said Emge. United Way of Atlantic County is a local, volunteer-driven, charitable organization mobilizing people and resources to meet our community’s most pressing health and human services needs. United Way is dedicated to making a positive impact on the quality of life for Atlantic County residents by supporting dozens of programs that reduce substance abuse and promote mental wellness, provide basic needs and increase self-sufficiency, support community health issues and foster safer homes and neighborhoods. Volunteers closely monitor these programs to ensure effective and efficient use of donor dollars. For more information on United Way of Atlantic County call 609-404-4483 or visit www.unitedwayac.org. If you or someone you know are in need of services dial 211. |