Back-to-school excitement. The cool new backpacks, Trapper Keepers (remember those), and all sort of paper, pens, and pencils. Going shopping and picking things out really got me excited for the new school year.
Looking back now, I wonder how much of that excitement extended into the school year? Did it also help me mentally feel present and ready to learn?
Many kids in our community don’t necessarily feel the same excitement. Back-to-school can bring stress to a family where school supplies and other needs pinch an already stretched budget. Working with community partners, the Olmsted County United Way has an annual “Running Start for School” campaign where eligible K-12 students receive the school supplies they need to be prepared that first day.
The goal this year is to register 3,094 students to receive school supplies. Any child in Olmsted County who receives free or reduced lunches is eligible to receive school supplies. Students at Longfellow must register by July 15. All other students must register by August 12. You can register a student by calling 507-287-1958.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Collect school supplies and drop them off at one of our Drive/Drop Partner locations
- Volunteer to help with sorting and distributing school supplies
- Join us at our FILL THE TRUCK event on Friday and Saturday August 5 & 6 – stay tuned for news
- Make a donation - $45 will provide one backpack filled with school supplies
Have some fun. Enjoy these pictures of back-to-school supplies from previous eras. Did you have any of these? What are your favorite back to school memories?
