A new school year means buying new school supplies, but for lower-income families buying new school supplies may be wishful thinking. United Way of Olmsted County understands a child's triumph in school today leads a better tomorrow for our community. Success in school starts with having the right tools. By giving children school supplies, we're giving children a running start for school and a hopeful start towards a brighter future.

How It Works

Individuals or groups collect school supplies and drop them off at United Way of Olmsted County in Rochester, August 10-12. The school supplies are sorted then distributed to students on August 23-24. Students of Olmsted County who receive free or reduced lunch call 287-1958 from June 1 to August 10 to register for supplies. Last year, 2,532 students received school supplies (that's an 11.5% increase from the previous year)! This year there are 6,874 eligible students in Olmsted County. Our new goal is to register 3,094 students to receive school supplies.

How can you help?

Simple! Collect school supplies! If you like to bargain shop, watch for sales or buy in bulk and drop it off anytime at United Way :) Organizations, businesses, groups and clubs may also participate by acting as a public drop site in addition to holding their own internal school supply drive. Please refer to the "Drive/Drop Site Partner's Toolkit" for details about being a Partner.

Major Sponsors

Running Start for School would not be able to help thousands of children without the help of our sponsors and partners who take giving to the next level. United Way's goal is to put children on a more level starting ground for success and these businesses, groups and organizations see the importance of sharing in our goal. Major sponsors partners include Cumulus Broadcasting (KYBA-FM Y105), ABC-6 News (KAAL), Byron District School, Stewartville District School and Rochester Public Schools.

How to register to get free school supplies

If your children qualify for free or reduced lunch for the upcoming school year and you wish to register them:

• Call (507) 287-1958 from June 1 - August 12 to register.
• *Longfellow Elementary School students must register before July 15.

Not sure if your student is eligible for free or reduced lunch? Click Here Or call us at 507-287-1958

Distribution Days

This year we will have distributions in four locations:

• Longfellow - July 26
• Byron High School - August 17
• United Way - August 23 & 24
• Stewartville - August 25

Cash Donations

At United Way, we've learned how to make every dollar effectively impact peoples lives. We purchase items in bulk towards the end of the collection period to fill the gaps between donated items and what will be distributed to the children. For $45, we can supply one child with everything they'll need including a backpack. Cash or check donations are also accepted at United Way of Olmsted County (903 West Center Street, Suite 100 • Rochester MN 55902) and should be designated to Running Start for School.

Fill-The-Truck Event

Every year we hold a Fill-The-Truck event. This gives people a chance to drop school supplies off on their way home from work or while they are running errand around town Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6 at Wal-Mart South. We also invite groups and businesses to use this event to drop off collected items and have the opportunity to plug their business/group/organization on the radio!

Volunteer with Running Start!

Getting school supplies to 3,100 students wouldn't happen if it weren't for hundreds of volunteers. From registering families to counting supplies to helping people pick out school backpacks (in multiple languages), a Running Start Volunteer gets a GREAT first hand experience in making a difference.

I want to volunteer :)

We need LOTS of help to sort and distribute supplies August 10 - 25. Starting June 1 individuals may view opportunities on United Way's website when clicking on "Volunteer Now." Volunteers are also needed earlier on July 26 to help distribute school supplies to Longfellow Elementary School students,August 17 to Byron students and August 25 to Stewartville students.

 

For more information, questions or comments:

Thai Nguyen

Running Start for School Coordinator
United Way of Olmsted County
903 West Center Street, Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55902
Direct number: (507) 535-5516
runningstart@uwolmsted.org