The Rutgers Women’s Volleyball Team hands out 600 backpacks stuffed with back-toschool essentials for students in need across Middlesex County on Aug. 21 as part of United Way of Central Jersey’s annual back-to-school collection on Aug. 21 at Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATRICIA DESIDERIO With the help of the Rutgers Women’s Volleyball Team, the United Way of Central Jersey distributed close to 600 backpacks stuffed with back-to-school essentials to students in need across the county.
A backpack distribution was held on Aug. 21 at the Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick.
Patricia Desiderio, who organized the event for United Way in Milltown, said this year’s drive was a little bit different; rather than collect donations as part of its annual “Stuff the Bus” event and sending the items to participating schools in Middlesex and Somerset counties, a backpack distribution day was held.
“Each family received a voucher,” she said.
Charmaine Rodriguez, volunteer coordinator for United Way, was instrumental in recruiting the help of members of the Rutgers Womens Volleyball team. The United Way of Central Jersey has been holding the event for approximately 15 years.
Schools and agencies participating in the program include: A.C. Chester Redshaw Elementary School in New Brunswick; Coordinated Family Care in North Brunswick; East Brunswick High School; Family of Christ Life Center in Dunellen; FISH Hospitality Program in Piscataway; Lafayette Estate Elementary School No. 25 in the Fords section of Woodbridge; Lord Stirling Elementary Community School in New Brunswick; McKinley Community School in New Brunswick; Mt. Zion CDC Preschool in New Brunswick; New Brunswick Middle School; PRAB, a comprehensive human services organization in the county; Roosevelt School in Edison; South County Day Care Center in Helmetta; and South River Elementary School.