ROONGA’s virtual collection Running Start for School supply drives for 2022
Each summer, the Olmsted County community rallies together to donate school supplies to ensure that every student has the tools they need to start the school year ready to learn. After two years of the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, these donations are even more critical for students and their families. United Way of Olmsted County has dedicated its summer, year-after-year, to ensuring that every child has what they need to succeed in school.
“”Do you know where I might be able to get some help with school supplies?” It’s the question that is most often asked at the start of the new school year, and it’s an issue that’s solvable through community support, “says Melissa Brandt, Transitions and Fostering Connections Coordinator with Rochester Public Schools. “RPS is so grateful for Running Start!””
United Way works with nearly 40 Olmsted County schools to ensure students start school with the supplies they need. Once again this year school supply donations will be accepted only via the online registry, Roonga. To donate supplies for more than 2,535 students in Olmsted County, community members are invited to visit www.roonga.com/runningstart2022. For less than $16, you can make sure a student is prepared with a brand-new backpack filled with supplies to attend school this fall. Even in these uncertain times, we can all still make a difference.
Sydney Rudquist, Marketing and Events Coordinator for SCHEELS shares why they continue to participate in Running Start for School: "It is incredible the difference it makes to a child to have the basic essentials to start off their school year. This is why SCHEELS feels it is so important to get involved and give back in any way possible. This will be the fifth year SCHEELS is able to participate in the Running Start program and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to help provide backpacks and supplies to the youth in Rochester and surrounding communities. We are excited for the new school year ahead!" SCHEELS is the Title Sponsor of the UWOC Education Fund. Thank you also to our Supporting Sponsors of the Education Fund: Rochester Chevrolet and Your Select Chevy Dealers, and Knutson Construction.
We are better when we work together, and we need your help now more than ever! Get involved by donating, hosting a collection on Roonga with friends, and encouraging others to work together to ensure Olmsted County children and youth reach their potential in school and the community. Organizations are encouraged to use the team feature of the site, allowing multiple organizations, departments, or groups to compete against each other to see who can donate the most supplies. Our drive is available at www.roonga.com/runningstart2022 until August 12th, 2022.
*Please note, if you are looking to receive supplies, please contact your child’s school directly.
###
About United Way of Olmsted County
United Way of Olmsted County is a social change organization that fights for the education, health, and financial stability of every person in our community.
We do this in a variety of ways. We operate programs and provide shared resources that support the community, such as our 211 information and referral service or our Get Connected volunteer matching portal. We work collaboratively with partners from many organizations and walks of life to create system change and solutions that elevate our community more than any single program or organization could. We provide financial, technical, and volunteer support for programs that make a difference.
At United Way, we LIVE UNITED with the change-makers, risk-takers, and problem-solvers as we seek, find, and create lasting solutions to the challenges that face our community.
Vangie Castro
Impact Program Assistant
United Way of Olmsted County
507-535-5509