In June of 2018, United Way of Passaic County brought together corporate and community volunteers, to pack summer “Stay Fit, Stay Active” bags for at risk children to combat summer learning loss and to keep kids active while school is not in session. Bags included books, jump ropes and a healthy snack to assure that students keep their bodies healthy and fit over the summer months.
A total of 2450 bags were packed on June 14th and sent out into the community. They were given to agencies throughout the county who have summer programs and could get the bags into the hands of kids who needed that extra boost. We are happy to report out on the many ways our community shared these bags with our awesome youth!
1250 Bags - Paterson Library Summer Reading Program
Students participating in Paterson’s summer reading programs were given bags as an added incentive to avoid the summer slide - keep reading, keep moving and eat healthy all summer long!
740 Bags - Passaic Recreation Department
The Passaic Recreation Department distributed bags to the children at their summer camp Olympic Field Days and at an inclusive play day featuring “Julia” from Sesame Street who joined the children at two Passaic parks to show that everyone can get out and play together.
250 Bags - Boys & Girls Club of Paterson/Passaic
All children in the Boys & Girls Club summer program received bags and were busy reading and eating healthy in no time!
90 Bags - New Hope Ministries Food Pantry, Prospect Park
Children of families who receive food at the pantry find it difficult to avoid the summer slide and cannot afford summer camps that encourage active living. Each child whose family receives food at the food pantry were provided a “Stay Fit. Stay Smart” Bag.
60 Bags - Up County and Pompton Lakes
Taking a “Two-Gen” approach, bags were given to moms (for their kids) who graduated from “English as a Second Language” course in Pompton Lakes and to children of families in need visiting Highlands Family Success Center in West Milford.
60 Bags - Clifton Public Library and Clifton Recreation Department
Bags were given out at summer programs and to families signing up for Free School Meals -part of Hunger Free NJ’s campaign to enroll more families in this free program which gives children access to free or reduced breakfast & lunch during school hours.
Here's a look back on the packing day and the final destination of some of the bags.