Regional United for Kids Collection Kicks-Off

Tygart Valley United Way is collecting items to help school pantries start the year stocked and ready to provide for our students in need. Schools in Marion, Randolph, Taylor, Barbour and Tucker counties will receive hygiene products and clothing for their in-school pantries. This year’s collection builds on the work that was done with last year’s event. “At the height of the pandemic, the United Way was ensuring students had what they need to start their year with dignity,” said Angela Daniels, Regional Engagement Director. “We know this year, as things have returned back to a new more normal, families will be even more pressed to provide basic necessities for students as they start the school year.”

“We know how critical schools in our five-county region are to the wellbeing of young people,”   said Casey Gilbert, Community Impact Director. “United for Kids allows our communities the opportunity to give back to the schools who provide our students and families with so much.” To make donating even easier, we’ve included an Amazon Charity List again this year. The items can be purchased online and will be shipped directly to the United Way office. We are hopeful this online option will encourage even more folks to participate and increase the impact of United for Kids.

Brett White, CEO of the Tygart Valley United Way, noted the continued need in the community. “As we’ve seen throughout the last year, schools are really a lifeline to struggling families. We know how critical school pantries can be to facilitating equitable learning and promoting the dignity of young people. Having access to a hairbrush or deodorant can really go a long way to a student in need. We are thrilled to partner with our community members and schools in our five-county region on this initiative.”

The items they are seeking are travel-sized shampoo and soap, non-perishable snacks, deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste, sunscreen, Chapstick, floss, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, feminine hygiene products, flip flops, travel tissues, toboggans, gloves, underwear, shorts, T-Shirts, socks, and sweatpants.

Items can be dropped off at the United Way offices in Fairmont or Elkins or through the Amazon Charity List. Find out more info and get involved at tvuw.us/u4k.