WILLIMANTIC — Access Community Action Agency has been awarded $1,000 by Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., under a program that lets Staples associates direct donations.

The grant will be used to cover the cost of the annual back to school backpack program.  Every year, Access provides backpacks filled with school supplies to 100 students from low- income families in Windham County.

The grants are part of a philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation which allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations that are focused on education or job skills.  

Access Community Action Agency is the federal and state designated anti-poverty agency for Windham and Tolland Counties. Access provides supplemental food, emergency shelter, energy assistance, energy conservation services, job and life skills training, youth mentoring, group homes, senior housing and more for low-income families and individuals. For more information about Access’ services, call (860) 450-7400 in the Willimantic area, (860) 412-1600 in the Danielson area, or visit www.accessagency.org.