News
Tri-County United Way successfully secured thousands of school supplies through a year-long effort, recruiting more than 75 volunteers and several dozen community partners. Their leadership in the Kids With Packs 2025 initiative ensured that thousands of school supplies and over 750 backpacks were packed and distributed to students in need across 21 schools throughout Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties—helping local children start the school year prepared and confident.
GLENS FALLS, NY – Tri-County United Way kicked off a successful 2025-2026 back-to-school season by mobilizing over 75 volunteers to pack more than 750 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. These backpacks were distributed to students across 21 schools in Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties as part of their Kids With Packs program, a community-driven initiative designed to ensure local youth start the school year prepared and confident.
Tri-County United Way spearheaded this initiative, dedicating nearly a year to planning, fundraising, and building partnerships with over two dozen organizations, donors, and school districts. Through their leadership, thousands of school supplies were collected and carefully assembled into backpacks to support local children and families facing financial challenges.
Following the packing event, backpacks were distributed directly to school district administrators who ensured they reached students identified as most in need, arriving just in time for the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
Supporting ALICE Families
Kids With Packs specifically serves Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families, those who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, childcare, food, and school supplies. By providing these backpacks, Tri-County United Way helps alleviate the burden on families and empowers students to enter the classroom ready to learn.
Community Voices
“At Tri-County United Way, we believe every child deserves the tools to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Kids With Packs is a powerful example of how collaboration and compassion can come together to make a tangible difference. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort and helped build a stronger, more resilient community,” said Kristin Chlopecki, Executive Director.
“Kids With Packs 2025 was truly a community-driven effort,and it is so inspiring to see the generosity and commitment we saw from volunteers, donors, and local partners. Ensuring that students have the supplies they need to start school confidently is more than just giving backpacks, it’s about investing in their future and supporting families facing real challenges,” said Laura Jensen, Director of Community Engagement & Communications at Tri-County United Way.
A Community-Wide Effort
The success of Kids With Packs 2025 was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of numerous community partners and donors, including Nemer Motor Group, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Lions Club International, Target, Arrow Bank, and many others. This initiative is a testament to the strength of community collaboration in addressing local needs led by Tri-County United Way
About Tri-County United Way
Tri-County United Way is committed to improving lives across Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga Counties by mobilizing resources, volunteers, and partners to tackle critical community challenges. Through initiatives like Kids With Packs, TCUW demonstrates its dedication to building a stronger, more unified service area.
Media Contact:
Laura Jensen
Director of Community Engagement
[email protected]
P: 518.793.3136 | C: 518.798.7428