JAY — In a matter of minutes, members of the Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce pledged $900 for the Packs for Progress program at their Friday meeting.

The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Farmington Rotary and BigLots! in Farmington have partnered to offer backpacks stuffed with school supplies for children in need in the Greater Franklin County area.

When the program was announced Friday at the chamber meeting, a motion to donate $100 was quickly made and approved. Then other members started to match that amount. The matches came in quickly when Chamber President Christine Fournier choked up as she tried to talk about the need for school supplies she has seen.

A basket was also passed for people to give money.

Regina Cote, chamber administrative assistant, mentioned the program at the meeting. She also sent a note later Friday morning commending businesses for their support.

“We have such a kind and giving group of area businesses who step up all year long, to truly help this community we live in be the best it can be,” she wrote. “I feel so fortunate to be a small part of this.”

 — Donna M. Perry