Shawn Wooden, Maria Hernandez, James Heaton, Terry Kirby, Karola Ocando, O.J. McDuffie, Lamar Thomas, Kathyn Holcomb, Logan Harrison
United Way staff, Miami Dolphin Alumni, and volunteers handed out brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies
August 12, 2025 – On Wednesday, July 30, United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED staff and volunteers distributed more than 600 backpacks to military veterans and their families in Broward County. Miami Dolphins alumni Terry Kirby, OJ McDuffie, Lamar Thomas and Shawn Wooden joined the volunteers to distribute the backpacks to show their support.
The donated backpacks were filled by volunteers with an assortment of necessary school supplies, including notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, highlighters, markers, crayons, glue, folders, index cards, scissors, erasers, and more. They were then handed out at United Way Broward’s campus in Fort Lauderdale via drive-through. The brand-new backpacks and school supplies are thanks to the contributions from Castle Group, Response Home Care, Ryan Turner Specialty, DHL, BBX Capital Foundation, and community donors.
“Each year, this initiative helps ease the financial burden for Broward County Veterans and their families by providing essential school supplies for their children,” said James Heaton, Vice President of United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED. “It’s our privilege to support those who have served by ensuring their families are equipped with the resources they need for a strong start to the school year.”
Sweet treats were provided by Kona Ice. Volunteers from United Way Broward’s NextGen United joined forces with volunteers and staff from the offices of Representative Chip LaMarca and Senator Barbara Sharief to distribute backpacks and support families throughout the day.
MISSION UNITED is a community-based initiative convening and aligning public and private resources in Broward County to support U.S. military service members, Veterans, and their families by helping them acclimate to civilian life. For more information, please visit MissionUnitedBroward.org.
About United Way Broward
United Way Broward mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. For more than 85 years, United Way Broward has brought a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across the communities in Broward County means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives in collaboration with our donors, volunteers, corporate and agency partners. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit UnitedWayBroward.org
About United Way Broward’s MISSION UNITED
MISSION UNITED is a critical program supporting US military service members, Veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment services, education, health, legal assistance, financial stability and housing support. Through MISSION UNITED, United Way Broward is aligning existing services and creating solutions where there are gaps in support. For more information about MISSION UNITED, please call 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MISSIONUNITEDbroward.org, Facebook or Twitter.