Provide 4,000+ Students the Supplies to Succeed
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, our Running Start for School drive has hit its 100% goal before the September 4th deadline. With your support, we supplied over 4,000 backpacks to local students.
As a new school year begins, your support can help students succeed far beyond backpacks and school supplies. By donating to United Way’s youth opportunity programs, including Imagination Library and Community Schools, you help kids access the resources and support they need to grow and thrive.
More Information
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
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!
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.
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.
Write a Note
Running Start for School Sponsors
Premier Sponsor
Legacy Sponsor
Champion Sponsor
Advocate Sponsor
To Be Announced
Moving Sponsor
Television Sponsor
Radio Sponsor
2025 Running Start for School Drive Results
330+ Community members donated
3,600+ New backpacks full of supplies delivered to students
47 Schools and 8 Community Partners impacted
Contact Information
Sonja Sommerfeldt
Impact Program Coordinator
sonjas@uwsemn.org
507-535-5509
Lauren Neufeld
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
laurenn@uwsemn.org
507-287-2063
Start a Team Drive
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.
last updated July 1, 2026 8:58 AM