United Way of Cass-Clay Begins Backpack Distribution

Foundation staff say they hit their goal of stuffing 6,500 backpacks full of school supplies, and are incredibly excited to hand them out.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Families and students in need flocked to the Fargodome this afternoon to pick up vital supplies for the coming school year.

It’s the distribution days for United Way of Cass-Clay’s annual backpack drive.

Police set up cones and directed traffic to ferry hundreds of cars into the Fargodome parking lot.

The foundation packed 6500 backpacks this year and estimated that anywhere from 1000 to 2500 could be claimed today.

United Way staff said actually getting to hand out the supplies they gathered is an incredibly gratifying experience.

“A lot of work has gone into getting to today,” said Tiffany McShane, Senior Director of Community Engagement for United Way. “Being able to serve the families out in the parking lot is what we’ve all been waiting for. It’s just a really humbling experience and very exciting for our organization.”

Distribution begins tomorrow at 4:30 and closes at 6.

On Friday, it begins at 11:30 A.M. and wraps up at 1:00.