Helping Local Students Succeed
We know the school year is just ending but we are already planning for next year! Starting June 1st, you can help local students get a running start. Backpacks, markers, and folders and more! These are just a few of the school supplies our local children and youth need to succeed this fall.
Education is a key building block in life and United Way of Olmsted County's Running Start for School program ensures that all students have what they need to prosper in and outside of the classroom. You can be a champion for Olmsted County students by going above and beyond to ensure they have the tools they need by supporting United Way’s Running Start for School backpack and school supply collection drive!
Last year, we provided needed supplies to more than 2,500 students enrolled in participating schools across Olmsted County. 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?
While we would love to accept your brand new or gently used items at our office, we have transitioned to our online shop 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!
Donate
Our 2022 Running Start Drive has begun and our convenient online store ROONGA is LIVE!
Follow the link to make a donation. Thank you for #LivingUnitedForLocalLearners
Volunteer
Each year, our program is successful due to the hard work of our volunteers. Stay tuned for 2022 volunteer opportunities taking place from mid-July to August 12th.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor and Education Partners
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]
- Beacon Academy
- Byron
- Chatfield
- Dover-Eyota
- Pine Island
- Rochester Catholic Schools
- Rochester Math and Science Academy
- Rosa Parks Charter
- Rochester Public Schools
- Rochester STEM Academy
- Stewartville
Contact Information
Vangie Castro
507-535-5509