Backpack Buddy

The Backpack Buddy program is one of United Way of Defiance County’s five internal programs. Backpack Buddy provides kid-friendly and nutritious food 35 weekends of the school year for children who qualify for free and reduced lunches or opt-in to the program at all elementary schools in Defiance County.

This program has been helping to keep our community’s children fed since 2010. We pack nearly 500 bags every week for these students in need. 

The bags are packed every Wednesday of the school year at St. John UCC at 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM. If you or your business are interested in volunteering to help pack the bags, please give us a call at 419-782-3510.

Defiance Rides

This program provides free rides for Defiance County residents who do not qualify for any pre-existing transportation programs and have no other way to reach vital destinations. Transportation is available for employment, job training, education, healthcare, legal appointments, grocery stores, food pantries, and other essential needs.

To schedule a ride, call NOCAC at (419) 784-5136 Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Rides must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations must be called in at least 1 hour prior to scheduled ride to avoid a no-show strike.

Rides available:
Monday - Friday: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, no matter their family’s income, to encourage early literacy. Since the program launched in 2009, 121,513 books have been delivered to Defiance County residents enrolled in the program.

Around 1,300 children are currently enrolled, and that is only about 58% of eligible children in Defiance County. If you have any little ones aged 5 and under, be sure to sign them up for FREE books here and spread the word!

Feeding Success

Our Feeding Success program includes a food and personal hygiene pantry in all elementary, middle, and high schools in the county. Counselors, teachers, administrators, and coaches can access items when needs are presented. These pantries include grab and go snacks, canned goods, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, underwear, feminine hygiene products, etc.

Teachers and counselors have shared with us that these pantries are a safe space for students to discretely access the items they are in need of. They also shared that students are less distracted by hunger and less anxious about where their next meal will come from. These results are only possible thanks to our generous donors.

Kindergarten Camp

Kindergarten Camp is a week-long experience for students entering Kindergarten who are identified through screening that need some additional preparation before heading to school. This program teaches school skills like writing their name, social skills, fine motor skills, raising their hand, following instructions, etc. 

Teachers have reported to us that the students begin the week quite timid, but by the end of the week they are much more confident and ready for school the following week.