Events

Support students in need with back to school supplies July 9-11, 2025! Visit either Rochester, MN Walmart store on July 9, 10, or 11 using the collection boxes at either entryway inside the store. This collection will supplement the United Way's Running Start for School collection, which takes place over the course of the summer and supplies backpacks full of school essentials directly to the Rochester Public Schools. 

The goal is to collect items needed for students, but in the classroom and in the school resource rooms. One of the biggest things we hope community members will recognize is that back to school gets more expensive as students get older. Not only do students need things like graphing calculators, but they also need gym clothes and shoes, often in adult or near-adult sizes. 

We ask our community members to join us in the effort to make sure every child, k-12, in our community is prepared to succeed in school this year. 

Items most needed include:

Scissors

Graphing Paper

Graphing Calculators

Adult size gym shoes

Socks and Underwear

Feminine Hygiene Products

Deodorant Sticks

Other Hygiene Supplies

For any questions about this collection, or about donating to school supplies needs in SE Minnesota, please contact sonjas@uwsemn.org. If you or someone you know is in need of school supplies, please contact your school administrator.