United Way of Bay County Helen Wirt Lee back to school clothing & backpack program (image provided with permissions by the United Way of Bay County)

BAY CITY, MI—Summer may seem like it just kicked off, but it’s never too early to prepare for the next year of school.

That’s why the United Way of Bay County is once again running the Helen Wirt Lee Back to School Clothing & Backpack program, in partnership with the Wirt Family Foundation.

For more than a decade, the program has provided students with new shoes, socks, shirts, pants and undergarments so that they have quality, weather-appropriate apparel needed to return to school.

As part of this year’s collaboration with the Bay Area Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee, the students will also receive a backpack full of school supplies they’ll need when it comes time to return to the classroom.

Nicole Luczak, CEO of the United Way of Bay County, said, “The mission of the program is to alleviate some of the strain that back-to-school shopping can put on families.”

Luczak said those in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population or those in declining financial situations are even more in need with prices rising on goods of all kinds.

“We hope those in the community who may need a little extra help take advantage of this program and everything it has to offer.”

United Way of Bay County Helen Wirt Lee back to school clothing & backpack program (image provided with permissions by the United Way of Bay County)

Luckzac said a good education can lead to sustainable adulthood, but the financial burden of classroom necessities can create barriers for children. By sending children to school prepared, she says students are more likely to be able to focus on their academic success.

“We want all kids to return to school confident and prepared, ready to learn. The first step to that is providing them with these basic necessities,” Luczak said.

According to the United Way- In Bay County, 21% of families are within the ALICE threshold and an additional 15% are in poverty; a total that means roughly 36% of the community is struggling to meet their everyday needs. Luczak says typically over 1,000 children are assisted with this program compared to the nearly 8,000 that qualify from Pre-K through grade 12.

To apply or for more information, visit the United Way of Bay County’s back-to-school program page or call (989)893-7508.

If you or your business/organization would like to get involved through volunteering or donating, email kayla@unitedwaybaycounty.org or donate online at the United Way’s MobileCause page.

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