PASSAIC COUNTY The Volunteer Center at United Way of Passaic County is offering new backpacks filled with schools supplies to Passaic County students in need. Through group’s annual Backpacks for Kids program, local youth who would otherwise start the school year without any supplies receive backpacks full of the items they need for academic success. To sign up your child for a free backpack, a parent or guardian must bring the child’s birth certificate and proof that the child is receiving services through a Passaic County social services agency. Children also qualify if they are registered in the Families First program, SSI, or Medicaid. United Way will accept letters from school social workers or guidance counselors as proof. Registration is from July 5 to August 18 while supplies last. Please bring the documentation to United Way of Passaic County’s office at 20 Mill St., Paterson. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information about Backpacks for Kids, contact Carla Fattal at United Way of Passaic County’s Volunteer Center at 973-279-8900 ext. 14.