Generous Community Support for UCM Back to School

“United Community Ministries (UCM) is grateful to the numerous organizations hosting collection drives and the outpouring of community support for our annual Back to School Campaign,” says Susan Johnson, UCM campaign coordinator. “Thanks to our caring community, more than 800 students from lowincome families in the Mount Vernon area will get to choose new backpacks and school supplies, ensuring they start school next month ready to succeed.”

Susan (right) is pictured with Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s Margaret Shipp (center) who delivered check donations totaling more than $1,000, collected from hospital staff. Helping to thank Margaret is UCM Basic Needs Manager Alex Pytel at left. Monetary donations designated to “School” are still being accepted via www.ucmagency.org or via check mailed to UCM, 7511 Fordson Rd., Alexandria VA 22306.

To assist low-income families who are struggling, United Community Ministries’ annual summer Back to School campaign collects new backpacks and monetary donations for the school supplies to fill them. This year, more than 800 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade will get to choose a new backpack at UCM, filled with school supplies for their grade level.

“We are thrilled by the outpouring of generous support to invest in our Mount Vernon kids for their academic success,” says Susan. “Support for our campaign means so much more than backpacks and school supplies: you’re giving creativity, literacy, and empowerment to vulnerable kids and youth in our community. These supplies mean that our kids have more motivation to study, that they can fit it with their more fortunate peers, that they gain confidence – and that they can start to see other possibilities in their future.”

Organizations hosting Back to School collection drives for UCM included: Aldersgate United Methodist Church (Vacation Bible School), Antioch Baptist Church (Vacation Bible School), Calvary Presbyterian Church, Good Shepherd Catholic Church (including Vacation Bible School), Heritage Presbyterian Church, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, Kol Ami Jewish Congregation, Mount Vernon High School Dance Team, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, Nativity Lutheran Church, Party World (Woodbridge), Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, St. James Episcopal Church, Virginia’s Finest Auto Club, and Vornado/ Charles E. Smith.

The deadline for donating backpacks has passed, but financial donations designated to “School” are still being accepted online via credit card or bank withdrawal -- donate online here -- or via check payable to UCM mailed to 7511 Fordson Rd., Alexandria VA 22306.

United Community Ministries (UCM) mobilizes the power of community to equip, educate, and empower people to measurably improve their lives. For more than 45, UCM has provided a vital connection between people in need and the people committed to helping them thrive. Learn how you can help volunteer or donate at: www.ucmagency.org.