School Supply Drive
United is the way we empower local kids…one backpack at a time.
Locally, 1 in 4 children are growing up in families working hard to keep up with everyday expenses – and too many are facing impossible choices like paying their electric bill that month or buying their child’s school supplies.
“I come from a family of 6 – my mom and 5 kids. She’s a single mother working hard to support us but with so many of us in school, it’s tough to afford everything we need. Getting school supplies would really help us start the school year prepared and take some stress off my mom. We’re truly thankful for any support.”
We believe every child’s future should be defined by possibility, not circumstance.
And this year, we’re increasing our impact and asking you to help us reach our goal of sending 7,000 students back to school with confidence in their hearts and the tools they need on their back. New supplies. A full backpack. And the powerful message that someone believes in them.
We know there are more students who need support, and together, we are working to narrow the gap. Join us.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Click here to shop our online wish list: Stretch your donation further by buying supplies in bulk and easily get supplies delivered directly to the drive! You’re also helping us ensure we have the supplies we need to pack 7,000 backpacks.
Click here to give a financial gift: Each $25 gift helps one student in our community walk into the first day of school with confidence in their hearts and a backpack full of school supplies on their back. Your financial gift goes beyond supplies – it supports all the ways United Way helps meet the needs of our local students and their families.
Coming soon… a list of needed school supplies: We welcome donations of new school supplies through August 3! A list of supplies needed to fill backpacks and our community drop site locations will be linked here soon.
Volunteer and help us spread the word: It takes our whole community to help us reach our goals. Help spread our reach by sharing about the drive in your workplace, network, and with family or friends. We’ll be sharing additional information on volunteering and announcing a limited number of open volunteer spots through our social media channels in June.
NEED A BACKPACK?
All students, including yours, deserve to feel confident as they walk through the doors on their first day of school with the tools they need to succeed on their back.
School supplies and backpack pick up details will be shared in June. Check back here for pick up dates and instructions then!
BACKPACK CHAMPION (NEW IN 2026!)
Whether you’re a business, employee, or community member, every Backpack Champion helps ensure students in our community have the supplies they need to thrive. We’ve provided everything your organization needs to rally employees, engage customers, share your involvement and make a meaningful local impact.
2026 United Way School Supply Backpack Champion Toolkit
2026 United Way School Supply Drive Backpack Champion Poster
Are you a Canva user? Access our customizable tools and add your logo
Tools and Information
• School Supply Drive Event Header
• Donate Here Poster… coming soon!
• Donation Inventory Document… coming soon!
• Encouragement Cards
• Backpack Pickup Event Poster… coming soon!
• Student Registration Form
Have questions? Email us at unitedway@unitedwaycassclay.org or call us at 701-237-5050.
