PORTLAND, OR (September 18, 2014) -- Unitus Community Credit Union recently completed its tenth annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, bringing in more than 3,200 new school supplies for its partner Title 1 schools. The drive provides low-income students with essential school-related items their families cannot otherwise afford.
The drive gave Unitus employees, members and local residents the opportunity to donate backpacks and other essential classroom supplies to Title I schools in the Portland Metro Area (including East Vancouver and Salem). Donations were dropped off at one of eight Unitus branches, each of which has a long standing partnership with a nearby Title I school.
“Thanks to the generosity of all those who donated items, hundreds of students in the communities we serve are beginning this school year with the supplies needed to succeed,” said Aimee Berg, Community Marketing Coordinator at Unitus. “Each year, the Unitus Back-to-School Supply Drive reminds us that we can make a tangible difference to students in need when we work together for a common cause.”
As part of its commitment to serve low-income students and schools, Unitus also sponsored this year’s Schoolhouse Supplies’ Tools for Schools program. Tools for Schools matches schools in low-income neighborhoods with local businesses and provides backpacks full of supplies to every student at the beginning of the school year. Unitus employees participated in Tools for School’s Pack-a-Palooza event, filling hundreds of backpacks with supplies for several Portland area Title 1 schools. They also passed out backpacks to every student at Vestal School in Portland on the first day of classes. Unitus has partnered with Vestal School through Tools for Schools since the 2006-2007 school year.
“Our partnership with Unitus has been such an encouragement and support to our students over the years,” said Vestal School Principal Emily Glasgow. “On behalf of our teachers, students and their families, I thank Unitus for investing in our young people and the long-term success of our school.”
Since 2005, the Unitus Back-to-School Supply Drive has benefitted thousands of low-income Title 1 students. Approximately 26,200 backpacks and supplies have been donated, and nearly $5,750 has been raised in related funding by employees, Unitus members and local residents.
About Unitus Community Credit Union
Unitus Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution serving people living or working in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Polk, Yamhill, Benton, Columbia, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Linn and Lane counties in Oregon and the state of Washington. Additional information about Unitus is available at www.unitusccu.com or by calling (800) 452-0900.