On August 1st, United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED opened its doors to the Colker Center, revealing hundreds of colorful backpacks piled high filled with school supplies. As active military and veteran families arrived, they were greeted by T.D. the Miami Dolphin’s mascot and heard music presented by Easy 93.1.
A new school year can place a financial burden on families so United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED teamed up with the Castle Group to donate more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies valued at $35 apiece to the children of active military members and veterans in Broward County.
Guests began at a resource fair where they were able to learn about resources available to them and their families. Booths were hosted by organizations such as Florida State Parks, Broward County Public Library, State of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED. Veterans were also able to take home a FREE Lifetime Military Family Parks Pass from Florida State Parks.
After the resource fair, the children excitedly moved on to the room filled with hundreds of fun backpacks. Each child was able to pick out his or her own colorful backpack filled with notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, markers, crayons, glue, folders, index cards, scissors, erasers and more. The look on the children’s faces as they picked out sparkly pink or superhero backpacks was filled with joy and gratitude. Each family went home happy to have new supplies to start the school year off right.
Thanks to Bankers Healthcare Group, Broward College, Castle Group, Insperity and United Way of Broward County’s NextGen United for donating backpacks and supplies, these children and their families will have the best school year yet!
Watch the full video from the event by clicking here
Are you interested in getting involved with MISSION UNITED? Call 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MISSIONUNITEDbroward.org
