Mary Strong, Shondra Holmes and Angie Kling load Healthy Choice Backpacks with healthful activities and foods for kids to use through the summer months. School social workers at the Children’s Cheer and Toy Shop, a United Way of Colquitt County agency, filled 125 such backpacks, just one of the ways local groups are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the national United Way. Although the United Way of Colquitt County was founded in 1943, the national organization traces its roots to Denver, Colo., in 1887. Throughout 2012, the United Way will participate in activities marking this milestone.

Mary Strong, Shondra Holmes and Angie Kling load Healthy Choice Backpacks with healthful activities and foods for kids to use through the summer months. School social workers at the Children’s Cheer and Toy Shop, a United Way of Colquitt County agency, filled 125 such backpacks, just one of the ways local groups are celebrating the 125th anniversary of the national United Way. Although the United Way of Colquitt County was founded in 1943, the national organization traces its roots to Denver, Colo., in 1887. Throughout 2012, the United Way will participate in activities marking this milestone.