United Way School Supply Drive to Deliver to 3,000 Central Minnesota Students

(KNSI) – Thousands of area students will start the school year with personalized supplies thanks to the annual United Way of Central Minnesota School Supply Drive.

The United Way serves 18 school districts across the region. But what makes this program unique, explained Vice President of Community Impact Stefanie Rothstein, is its close partnership with individuals, local businesses and area schools. She told KNSI News, rather than collecting generic supplies, the organization works directly with educators to tailor donations to specific students. “What that means is students get a chance to receive the supplies that reflect their personality, and then those who are donating have that tangible experience of knowing that they purchased something that maybe they liked that they know is going to be going into the hands of one young person to set them off on a great year of learning.”

The individualized approach has helped the program grow to serve around 3,000 students annually. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, according to Rothstein, who notes that families are facing unprecedented financial pressures. “We know families are facing tighter budgets than ever. And so, school supplies should never be a choice between getting a backpack that’s on the supply list or the groceries for the week.”

Donors have multiple options for participating in the drive. Supplies can be dropped off at three locations. They are Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union in St. Cloud, the Scheels customer service desk at Crossroads Center mall, and the United Way Office at 921 1st Street North in St. Cloud.

Between August 1st and 7th, Scheels is running a special “buy one, gift one” backpack promotion, donating one backpack to United Way for every backpack purchased.

For those who prefer to give online or through mobile, donors can text SCHOOL to 26989. These funds go directly to schools for high-need items once classes begin.

The school supply drive runs through August 15th. For more information about the event, click here.

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