Volunteers fill backpacks with school supplies before distribution begins Wednesday

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)  — United Way’s School Supply Drive is underway and volunteers are at Fargodome filling backpacks with supplies for students.

They are packing the last of the 6,500 backpacks to be given away.

The backpacks each cost about $25 to fill and this year Corwin Automotive is matching contributions.

The school supply drive has provided around 6,000 backpacks in past years, and have added the additional 500 due to the growing need in the community.

United Way statistics show one in seven kids in our area are growing up in poverty.

“We fundraise for this event year round,” said Tiffany McShane, community engagement director for United Way of Cass-Clay. “We know we need to get ahead of where we need to be next year in order to ensure that we achieve our goals. And so we do accept financial donations throughout the year, and when you support the United Way School Supply Drive, you’re supporting all the ways that we help kids be prepared for school and life through various programs so we’re really grateful for that support year round.”

This is the twenty-seventh year the United Way has held the drive.

Families in Cass and Clay counties in need of school supplies can come to the FARGODOME during one of these backpack pickup events this week.

To make a donation, visit UnitedWayCassClay.org.