Running Start for School Drive Starts!
Purpose
The start of a new school year means buying school supplies, but for lower-income families it can be a time when money is tight. Running Start for School depends on the support of our Olmsted County community to help provide school supplies needed by students.
Running Start for School provides school supplies to students in Olmsted County who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
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How It Works
Individuals or groups collect school supplies and drop them off at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester, August 4-8. To view the current participating collection groups, click on the "Drive/Drop Site Partners" link on the right. The school supplies are sorted and distributed to students on August 20-21. Last year, over 2,100 students received school supplies. This year there are over 5,700 eligible students in Olmsted County. We hope to reach at least 2,500!
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Sponsors
Running Start for School is a community initiative of United Way of Olmsted County. Major partners include Rochester Public Schools and Cumulus Broadcasting (KYBA-FM Y105).
How to register to get free school supplies
If your children qualify for free or reduced lunch for the upcoming school year and you wish to register them:
Call (507) 287-1958 between June 2 and August 8 to register.
*Longfellow Elementary School students must call before July 11 to register.
School districts eligible for participating in Running Start for School:
Adam Abdulle Academy School District
Byron School District
Chosen (Chatfield) Valley School District
Dover-Eyota School District
Rochester Off Campus Charter High School
Rochester Public Schools
Root River Education District
Stewartville School District
Studio Academy Charter High School
Zumbro Education District
Hold a Drive or be a Drop Site
Organizations, groups or businesses may participate by holding their own drive. Please refer to the "Drive/Drop Site Partner's Toolkit" (to the right) for details about being a Partner. To register to hold a drive, click the "Drive/Drop Partnership Agreement Form."
Volunteer for Running Start!
We need LOTS of help to sort and distribute supplies August 4 - 22. Starting June 16 individuals may view opportunities on United Way's website when clicking on "Volunteer Now." Volunteers are also needed earlier on July 24 and 29 to help distribute school supplies to Longfellow Elementary School students.
Volunteer Committee
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are committed to the mission of United Way of Olmsted County and Running Start for School. We hope to develop long-standing relationships with a dedicated group interested in playing a great role in the program year after year. This committee could improve the program in ways we could only dream of. There are different positions available for various interests (to the right). If you are interested in participating in one of these roles please contact Running Start for School Coordinator, Molly Seaver.
Cash Donations
Cash or check donations are accepted at United Way of Olmsted County (903 West Center Street, Suite 100 • Rochester MN 55902) and should be designated to Running Start for School. Donations are used to purchase needed supplies after the supply-drop-off.
For more information
Contact Molly Seaver: Running Start for School at the United Way of Olmsted County at (507) 287-1958 or runningstart@uwolmsted.org.
