United Way School Supply Drive Starts Early With New Goal

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — School is not even out yet and United Way has officially started its school supply drive with an increased goal of 6,500 backpacks.

The school supply drive has started early this year to reach their new goal.

The increase comes after the demand for school supplies from kindergarten to the fifth grade in the last few years.

In the community, one in seven children are growing up in poverty.

With the new goal, more supplies will be intended will be separated for elementary students.

“Knowing that you know our partnership, Essentia, with United Way can make it happen so our kids in this community are going to be our future adults in our community, that we are helping to set them up for success. So they don’t feel different because they show up to school and they don’t have what they need,” said Suzanne Zeltinger, Chief Nursing Officer for the West Market at Essentia Health.

United Way is accepting donations for supplies now, and are accepting donations online on its website.