2,108 Backpacks Help Local Students Start School Ready

Back-to-school shopping can put another strain on families already balancing the rising costs of housing, food, child care, transportation, and other essentials.

This year, United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Tools for School program brought businesses, donors, volunteers, and community partners together to help ease that burden.

The 2026 effort provided 2,108 backpacks and approximately 42,125 school supplies, representing more than $135,000 in backpacks, supplies, gift cards, and financial support for local students and families.

For families struggling to afford the basics, a backpack filled with school supplies means one less expense to worry about and helps ensure students can arrive at school prepared to learn.

One Stop, More Support

For the first time, United Way of Northern New Jersey joined with partner organizations in Somerset County to create a more coordinated experience for ALICE families. At TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots, multiple public service organizations came together in one location so families could access resources, information, and support in a single visit. The event also gave participating organizations a valuable opportunity to connect with one another, but the biggest benefit was for busy ALICE families who do not always have the time or flexibility to seek out each organization separately. By bringing services together, the event made it easier for families to find help, ask questions, and connect with resources all in one place.

Our Community Packed a Lot of Impact

Tools for School is possible because our community shows up.

This year, 77 volunteers and 26 participating companies helped collect, pack, and prepare supplies for distribution.

At Deloitte’s Morristown office, employees donated their morning to a packing party, filling hundreds of backpacks that were later distributed to local students.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are grateful to the companies whose support helped make Tools for School 2026

possible, including longtime partners Deloitte and Peapack Private Bank, along with Visions Federal Credit Union and Emerson/ASCO.

Their commitment helped turn donated dollars, supplies, and volunteer time into backpacks and classroom essentials for students across our communities.

We also thank every company, donor, community group, and volunteer that contributed to this year’s effort. Seventeen nonprofit partners helped connect these resources with children and families throughout the region.

More than 2,000 backpacks later, that collective effort is heading into classrooms throughout our communities. Thank you to everyone who helped local students begin the school year equipped and ready to learn.