The United Way's Emerging Philanthropists are taking over the annual "Backpacks for Success" program this year.
The group of young professionals is aiming high, hoping to put together 2,000 back-to-school kits for children at the Public, Catholic and French school boards.
"They're estimating there are almost 4,000 children within Windsor-Essex who are in an under-privileged situation. So, their parents may be able to afford school supplies, but then other areas of finances are suffering," says Program Coordinator David Buraman.
This year, in addition to traditional fundraising the group has launched a crowd funding campaign to help them reach their goal of $50,000.
"For millennials, the crowd funding is something that really caters to the need, and our lifestyles. So, I really truly think that it's going to be successful, and hopefully other groups with the United Way will start using crowd funding," says Buraman.
The group estimates it takes an average of $25 to buy and fill a backpack for students. They are hoping to raise the majority of the funds before school starts on September 5, but are accepting donations until the end of September.
The group held an event last night at Vito's Pizzeria and stuffed approximately 1,000 backpacks.
