United Way’s Back to School Clothing Program provides children of low-income families with a new outfit, shoes, and undergarments for school. Over 1,200 qualified applications poured into the United Way office in July and the first part of August. Even with the generous match grant from Dr. Robert and Helen Lee, to match each child sponsored up to $10,000, this number proved to be a challenge.
With one week before school started, and 500 children still in need, Dr. Robert and Helen Lee stepped up with an addition $8,000 to help United Way bridge the gap! Through the support of our local media, generous businesses, and loyal members of the community, every child who applied by the August 5th, a grand total of 1,236, started school with new clothes and shoes! This represents an investment of over $65,000 in local retail purchases. This would not have been possible without the help of over 170 community donors and an additional 150 volunteers.
Also, United Way of Bay County would like to give a special thanks to any businesses, groups, or individuals who donated over $1,000 or sponsored 20 or more children: Dr. Robert and Helen Lee, Bay Regional Medical Center, GM Powertrain, Gougeon Brothers, Kawkawlin Community Church, Mersen Bay City, St. Maria Goretti, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Women’s Philanthropy Donor Advised Fund.
Thank you Bay County!