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Start School Strong
Start School Strong helps Hunterdon County students begin the school year prepared, confident, and connected to important family resources.
Through this program, eligible families can receive backpacks, grade-appropriate school supplies, health and wellness resources, and support connecting to services such as Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch and NJ FamilyCare.
2026 Start School Strong Events
Clinton
August 10, 2026
4:00–7:00 PM
Clinton United Methodist Church
Milford
August 18, 2026
4:00–7:00 PM
Riegel Ridge Community Center
Glen Gardner
August 20, 2026
4:00–7:00 PM
Spruce Run Lutheran Church
Flemington
August 24 & August 31, 2026
4:00–7:00 PM
Appointment only
United Way Volunteer Center
For Families / Clients
Register for Start School Strong
Start School Strong is open to eligible Hunterdon County families with school-age children Pre-K thru 12th Grade.
Families may receive:
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Backpacks and school supplies
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Assistance with Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch applications
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Health and wellness resources
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NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid information
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Community resource connections
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Children’s activities at select events
How It Works
1. Register by August 8 using the link below.
2. Check Your Email for your event location and confirmation details.
3. Attend Your Event and bring a photo ID.
4. Pick Up Supplies and connect with community resources to help your family start the school year strong
Registration Deadline: August 8, 2026
For Donors
Help Students Start School Strong
Thank you for your interest in supporting Start School Strong! Your generosity helps provide backpacks, school supplies, and essential resources to Hunterdon County students and families as they prepare for the new school year.
If you are interested in making a donation, hosting a supply drive, becoming a sponsor, or supporting the program in another way, please complete the interest form below:
Once you submit the form, a member of the United Way of Hunterdon County team will contact you with next steps, donation information, and available resources.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Laura Hernandez
laura@uwhunterdon.org
For Volunteers
Volunteer with Start School Strong
Volunteers help make Start School Strong possible. Opportunities may include sorting supplies, packing backpacks, assisting families at events, helping with registration, greeting guests, and supporting children’s activities.
Volunteer opportunities are available before/after and during Start School Strong events.
Groups, businesses, students, and individuals are welcome.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Laura Hernandez
laura@uwhunterdon.org
For Sponsors, Vendors & Community Partners
Partner with Start School Strong
United Way of Hunterdon County invites businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups to partner with us for our Start School Strong Community Days.
These events bring together families from across Hunterdon County for backpacks, school supplies, health and wellness resources, community services, and family-friendly activities. Participating organizations have the opportunity to connect directly with local families, share valuable resources, increase community awareness, and support students as they prepare for a successful school year.
Whether you are interested in becoming a sponsor, hosting a vendor table, providing in-kind donations, or participating as a community partner, we would love to hear from you.
Interest Form
Please complete the form below to let us know how you would like to get involved:
Once your form has been submitted, a member of our team will contact you with additional information, event details, sponsorship opportunities, and next steps.
Questions?
Gabriela Bonnavent
Community Engagement Coordinator
gabriela@uwhunterdon.org
Our Impact
Start School Strong continues to grow each year thanks to the support of our community.
2025 Program Impact
Over 750 families attended Start School Strong events
More than 456 backpacks and school supply kits distributed to local students
Families connected to health, wellness, nutrition, and community resources
Hundreds of children started the school year equipped with the tools they need to succeed
Together, we are helping Hunterdon County students start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
Questions?
Contact Laura Hernandez
United Way of Hunterdon County
