Start School Strong 2026: What a Year!
Together, We Helped Hunterdon County Students Start School Strong
Our 2026 Start School Strong season has officially come to a close, and we are incredibly grateful to the families, volunteers, donors, sponsors, vendors, community partners, and schools who made this year's program possible.
Start School Strong is about more than providing a backpack. It is about helping children begin the school year prepared while connecting their families with services and resources that can support them throughout the year.
2026 Start School Strong Impact
803
Backpacks Distributed
402
Families Served
Free & Reduced-Price School Meal Applications:
258
Biometric Health Services:
205
NJ FamilyCare Services:
82
Across our Start School Strong events, families received 545 health, school-meal, and NJ FamilyCare service engagements in addition to backpacks and school supplies.
These numbers represent more than services provided—they represent local children heading into school with the supplies they need and families becoming connected to resources that can continue supporting them beyond the first day of school.
Still Need Assistance?
2026 Start School Strong registration is now closed.
However, if you or your family still needs a backpack, school supplies, assistance with school meal applications, NJ FamilyCare information, or connections to other community resources, please reach out to United Way of Hunterdon County.
While Start School Strong distribution has concluded and supplies cannot be guaranteed, our team will do our best to connect you with available resources and services.
Contact:
Laura Hernandez
Gabriela Bonnavent
Want to Be Part of Start School Strong 2027?
We're already looking forward to next year!
Businesses, organizations, and community partners can help make the next Start School Strong even stronger.
Opportunities include:
Sponsoring Start School Strong
Hosting a school supply or backpack drive
Making an in-kind or financial contribution
Participating as a vendor or community resource partner
Providing services or resources for families
Volunteering individually or as a group
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, vendor, donor, or community partner for Start School Strong 2027, we would love to hear from you.
Our Volunteers Made It Possible
Start School Strong would not be possible without the incredible people who give their time to support our students and families.
During the 2026 Start School Strong program:
152
Volunteers
566
Volunteer Hours
Volunteers helped sort and organize supplies, pack backpacks, welcome and assist families, support children's activities, help with community resources, and keep our events running smoothly.
Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and talents to help Hunterdon County students Start School Strong!
Join Us in 2027
Interested in volunteering for Start School Strong 2027 or helping with another United Way of Hunterdon County program throughout the year? We would love to have you join us!
Contact
Laura Hernandez
Or visit our volunteer website to explore current opportunities and sign up:
Whether you have a few hours to give, want to volunteer regularly, or are looking for an opportunity for your business, school, family, or community group, there are many ways to get involved.
Together, we can continue making a difference for Hunterdon County families.
Thank You, Hunterdon County!
Start School Strong would not be possible without our volunteers, donors, sponsors, vendors, community organizations, schools, and families.
803
Backpacks
402
Families
545
Service Connections
1
community coming together to help students succeed
Thank you for helping our students Start School Strong.