UnitedHealthcare is donating 3,500 backpacks to community organizations in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods across Washington.
The community organizations will give the backpacks to children enrolled in their programs to help them prepare in time for the new school year, which in many Washington neighborhoods begins in late August or early September. The donated backpacks will also help schools, bringing some economic relief to teachers who often spend money out of pocket to supply their classrooms.
“Teachers and families are feeling the pinch just like everyone else, so these much-needed supplies will be well-received, appreciated and put to great use in our schools,” said Kate Smith, executive director of Centro Latino of Pierce County, one of the community organizations where donations will be made this month.
“UnitedHealthcare is partnering with community organizations across Washington to give children in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods school supplies that will help prepare them for the new school year,” said Doug Bowes, president of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington. “We believe a strong commitment to education is a key building block to children’s lifelong health and well-being.”
UnitedHealthcare is donating the backpacks to the following organizations through the remainder of August. For each event, families and children will be provided free backpacks and school supplies. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington partners will be distributing the packs. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington will also have information available about the Healthy Options Medicaid health insurance plan.
Here are locations coming up this week:
Thursday, Aug. 23, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
HopeLink at Boys & Girls Club
Sammamish Teen Center
Address 825 228th Ave NE
Sammamish, Wash. (425) 250-4781
Friday, Aug. 24, noon-5 p.m.
La Casa Hogar
Address 101 N. Naches Ave.
Yakima, Wash. (509) 457-5058
Saturday, Aug. 25, noon-4 p.m.
Centro Latino
Address 1208 South 10th St.
Tacoma, Wash. (253) 572-7717
Saturday, Aug. 25, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
NewHolly Family Fun Fest and Health Fair with Atlantic Street Center, Neighborhood House, and Seattle Housing Authority
The NewHolly Campus, 7050 32nd Ave S
Seattle, Wash. (206) 915-3575
Friday, Aug. 31, 4-6:30 p.m.
Greenbridge Promise Back to School Event
Address Greenridge Plaza 8th Ave SW & 99th Ave SW
White Center, Wash. (206) 694-1082
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington, part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), began serving Healthy Options (Medicaid) and Basic Health beneficiaries in Washington state July 1, 2012. Today, more than 430,000 people in Washington State are enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored, Medicare and Medicaid health benefit plans.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.
