Hopkins Elementary helps kick off United Way School Supply Drive to support area students
July 15, 2015
With backpacks and school supplies displayed nearby, Superintendent Lynne Kovash and Principal Ryan LaDage helped the United Way of Cass-Clay kick off this year’s School Supply Drive July 14 at Ellen Hopkins Elementary School. This is the 17th year of the school supply drive, which runs from July 14-31.
Last year, United Way was able to equip 5,175 local students with supplies for the start of the school year. This year, United Way needs the community to step forward and help them equip 5,200 local students with backpacks full of school supplies.
“I’ve watched this program grow over the years, and the enthusiasm of our community and volunteers is amazing,” said Superintendent Lynne Kovash. “The support that is given to our students is amazing.”
According to LaDage, the supplies help students be prepared and ready to learn every day. Last year 198 students at Hopkins Elementary received backpacks and supplies, which meant 198 more students who didn’t have to worry about coming to school unprepared, he said.
“This program is much more than just giving kids their school supplies,” LaDage said. “It’s about letting kids know they are valued. It’s about planting those seeds of confidence and enthusiasm about life and about learning. It’s about investing in our children, investing in their future successes, and doing our part to help build a better tomorrow.”
Maria Slette, a Fargo Davies High School student, spoke about honoring her friend Sreejon Lala, who was killed in a car accident in December.
“It was evident that school was something he loved,” Slette said, which is why she and Lala’s parents are honoring him by making a gift to the community to help other students succeed.
Memorials from Lala’s funeral were given to the United Way School Supply Drive to purchase supplies for children in need. Additionally a group of Lala’s friends will be volunteering for the School Supply Drive on his birthday, July 29.
“We want to change the story for these children,” said Kelly Rotar, United Way of Cass-Class School Supply Drive lead. “If we change the story, we change their future.”
Volunteer registration for the School Supply Drive also opened July 14. Volunteers are needed July 28-Aug. 11.
Supplies needed are:
- New Backpacks (no wheels)*
- 1" 3-ring binders*
- 2 Pocket Folders
- Loose Leaf Paper (Wide or college)*
- Wide Ruled Notebooks*
- College Ruled Notebooks*
- Pencils
- Blue/Black Pens
- Red Pens Highlighters
- Colored Pencils
- Broad Tip Markers*
- Pencil Pouches*
- 24 Count Crayons
- Pink Erasers
- Glue Bottles & Glue Sticks
- Pointed & Blunt Tip Scissors*
- Rulers—clear, plastic or wooden*
*denotes most needed supplies
New backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at the following sites:
- West Acres Mall (3902 13th Ave. S., Fargo)
- Gate City Bank (All Locations)
- Moorhead Center Mall (510 Center Ave, Moorhead)
- Wal-Mart (All Locations)
- United Way of Cass-Clay (219 7th St S, Fargo)
- First International Bank & Trust (All Locations)
- Great North Insurance Services (675 13th Ave E, Ste 101, West Fargo)
- Family Wellness Center
Additionally, Moorhead Schools is collecting supplies in the district office at Probstfield Center for Education until noon on July 31.
Backpacks and supplies will be distributed to students and families in need on:
Saturday, August 8 from 8-11:30 a.m. at the FARGODOME
Tuesday, August 11 from 4-7 p.m. at the FARGODOME
Any child attending K-12 school in Cass and Clay Counties is eligible to receive a backpack and supplies. Families must bring a form of ID to the FARGODOME and a completed registration form. Registration forms and information for families in need is available on the United Way website.
All information about the drive can be found on the United Way website at http://www.unitedwaycassclay.org/how-we-help/education/school-supply-drive.
Categorized under: School