Helping Local Students Succeed
You can help local students get a running start this fall by making sure all students have the backpacks and school supplies they need. We are supporting 2,989 students throughout Olmsted County this summer to ensure that all students have what they need to prosper in and outside of the classroom
To achieve our goals, we rely on community support to get involved - by donating, hosting a collection, volunteering, and encouraging others to help our children and youth reach their full potential in school and the community. And year-after-year, we successfully connect thousands of students to the tools they need to succeed because of local champions choosing to #LiveUnited.
Won’t you join us?
Please donate to our online shop, Roonga to ensure a more equitable distribution of supplies throughout Olmsted County. Thank you for understanding and supporting the work of United Way of Olmsted County to ensure that students throughout Olmsted County get a running start for school!
Volunteer
Each year, our program is successful due to the hard work of our volunteers. Volunteer shifts will open to the public at the end of June. You can find them on our Get Connected volunteer portal page; volunteer opportunities will be taking place from mid-July to August 14th.
How to Receive Free School Supplies
School supplies are distributed by individual schools. Olmsted County students in grades pre-K through 12 who would like school supplies through Running Start for School should connect with the school they attend to find out how to receive supplies.
Participating Schools [Pre-K through Grade 12]
- Byron Public Schools
- Chatfield Public Schools
- Dover-Eyota Public Schools
- Pine Island Public Schools
- Rochester Catholic Schools
- Rochester Math and Science Academy
- Rochester Middle School Right Fit
- Rochester Online School
- Rochester Public Schools
- Rochester STEM Academy
- Stewartville Public Schools
Contact Information
Grace Pesch
507-287-1533