Providing 3,600+ Local Students the Supplies to Succeed

Last year, United Way of Southeast Minnesota delivered nearly 3,500 new backpacks packed with school supplies to local pre-K, elementary, middle, and high schools — and this year, the number has risen to over 3,600 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 2024.

Running Start for School 2025 begins on July 1!

Together, let's make sure 3,600 students across Dodge, Fillmore, Olmsted, and Winona Counties have the supplies they need to start this school year off on the right foot.

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):

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.

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 to support Running Start for School!

Marketing Materials

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