Providing 3,000+ Local Students the Supplies to Succeed

Last year, United Way of Olmsted County delivered nearly 3,000 new backpacks packed with school supplies to local pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools — and this year, the number has risen to nearly 3,500 students.

Thanks to generous community members like you who donated, hosted a collection, volunteered, or simply encouraged others to support the youngest members of our community, we were able to get supplies to every student in 2023.

We've reached our goal for 2024!

If you want still to contribute to local kids' success, you can make a gift of any amount to our Education Fund.

This year, we came together to help nearly 3,500 local students.

We are excited to partner with Kasson-Mantorville Community Education in 2024 to provide backpacks to their preschool students in Dodge County.

Click below for information about getting school supplies for your child and volunteering with Running Start!

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):

Byron Public Schools
Chatfield Public Schools
Dover-Eyota Public Schools
Pine Island Public Schools
Rochester Catholic Schools
Rochester Math and Science Academy
Rochester Middle School Right Fit
Rochester Online School
Rochester Public Schools
Rochester STEM Academy
Stewartville Public Schools

Volunteer with Running Start for School

Each year, our program is successful thanks to the hard work of our volunteers!

Volunteer shifts will open to the public at the end of June and will take place from mid-July to mid-August. You can find them on our Get Connected volunteer portal page.

You can also volunteer virtually by hosting a team drive - see below!

Start a Team Drive

You can also volunteer virtually by hosting a team drive!