Provide 4,000+ Students the Supplies to Succeed

Last year, United Way of Southeast Minnesota delivered nearly 3,600 new backpacks packed with school supplies to local pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools — and this year, the number has risen to over 4,000 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 2025.

Together, let's make sure 4,000 students across Southeast Minnesota have the supplies they need to start this school year off on the right foot.

Make your gift by September 4!

Donate School Supplies

More Information

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):

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

All registered volunteers must complete our 2026 Running Start for School Volunteer Agreement.

Print and return the Running Start for School Volunteer Agreement, or complete the Running Start for School Volunteer Agreement online!

Start a Team Drive

You can also volunteer virtually by hosting a team drive to support Running Start for School!

For more information on how to start a team drive, contact Lauren Neufeld, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, at laurenn@uwsemn.org or 507-287-2063.

Marketing Materials

Use the materials below to spread the word about Running Start for School!

Need something in a different format? Contact Anica Aguilar, Graphic Designer & Communications Coordinator, at anicaa@uwsemn.org or (507) 287-2004.