Downtown Baptist Church Aids UCM Back to School Program

United Community Ministries of Alexandria is seeking to raise $10,000 and fill $1,000 new backpacks for qualified children attending schools in southeastern Fairfax County.

located in Old Town Alexandria is one of the first contributors, adding $1,000 to the Back to School Program.

“We have so many blessings and are happy to share with families who are struggling to make ends meet, so their children can start the school year off with the tools they need to succeed,” said Christina Taylor, Mission Committee Chair at the church.

Community members are requested to mail financial donations to: School Supplies, United Community Ministries, 7511 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, VA 22306. Backpacks can be dropped off at UCM’s office at this address from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The deadline to receive financial donations and backpacks is Aug. 3, to allow time for UCM to place the bulk order for discounted supplies and to fill the backpacks.

For each $10 donation, UCM is able to purchase $40 worth of supplies, thanks to a partnership with Office Depot, Wal-Mart and others.

UCM is also seeking volunteers to help with organizing school supplies on Aug. 17 and 18, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 pm, as well as for the distribution dates later that month.

For more information about financial donations, sponsorships, backpack donations or to volunteer, contact Marcos Castillo at marcos.castillo@ucmagency.org or phone 703-768-7106, ext. 328.