Peggy Mannino (r) with Running Start Coordinator Nathan Watson

Home Federal will be campaigning to collect school supplies from employees and willing patrons through August 21. Donations will be passed on to Running Start for School; a program that provides free school supplies for students of need in Olmsted County.

Home Federal’s decision to support Running Start for School was inspired by Peggy Maninno who has been collecting school supplies throughout the year. “Its hard to not get school supplies when the deals are so good and it helps so much” says Peggy. She has collected an array of over 50 backpacks and multiple cases of notebooks. Peggy arrived to the Casual for Cause kick-off carrying a box full of crayons, markers and glue sticks.

Peggy’s husband and Home Federal vice-president for corporate affairs, Al Maninno couldn’t be happier to start the collection of school supplies; but that’s not all they’re collecting. Casual for Cause also raises funds by having employees donate money to wear jeans to work, which is then donated to local causes.

Amidst the employees dressed in “Live United” t-shirts were smiles and excitement for collecting school supplies, but much more prevalent was the understanding of why they’re collecting. The number of students in need is growing larger every year. This year, there are over 6,000 students eligible for free school supplies in Olmsted County alone. United Way’s Running Start for School uses partnerships with local business like Home Federal Bank to provide for students. Running Start is planning on distributing 2,500 backpacks, over 13,000 notebooks and about 25,000 pencils to students this year.

Peggy joined by other Home Federal Employees