United Way Backpack Project

Imagine a new school year and the anticipation of a new beginning for thousands of students across Brown County...

a memorable part of that excitement is having a new backpack filled with school supplies to help along the journey!

Each year, the United Way of the Brown County area, with the support of our sponsors, provides new backpacks to area students who could benefit from backpacks packed full of appropriate school supplies. Last year, over 475 backpacks were provided to students across the Brown County area. Our volunteers assisted in collecting, inventorying, individually packing, and distributing the backpacks to students just in time for the new school year.  

The United Way of the Brown County area is now accepting applications for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. To access the application, follow the link on our webpage at www.unitedwaybrowncountyarea.org or scan the QR code below. You can also contact our office at 507-354-6512 to inquire about completing an application in person.  

We are also looking for volunteers to assist in making these students' dreams come true. Contact us for volunteer opportunities in this fantastic program!  All volunteers should report to the New Ulm Civic Center.

What's the United Way Backpack Project? 
Children in grades K-12 in Brown County who qualify for the free lunch program can participate in this program. United Way has teamed up with local school districts, The Salvation Army, The Koozie Group, Alliance Bank, area businesses, and places of worship to make this opportunity available to families in the Brown County area.

How does it work?
Each summer, schools in Brown County mail United Way Backpack Project information and applications to families who qualify for free educational benefits in grades K-12. Participating businesses and organizations then collect school supplies and backpacks to fill the large number of requests. Parents and children who qualify to receive a backpack and supplies are then invited to come and pick up their backpacks with all the supplies they need to get off to a good start in school.

 

School supply collection boxes are located throughout Brown County.
Please donate school supplies at any of these locations throughout the month of July.

School Supply List

Comfrey
Church of St. Paul
New Hope Lutheran Church
Triumph State Bank

Sleepy Eye
Chuck Spaeth Ford 
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
Brown County REA
Dyckman Free Library

Ace Hardware
BJ's Salon

Springfield
Allina Clinic Springfield
F & M Bank
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
Springfield United Methodist Church
St. Pauls Lutheran Church

Searles
St. John the Baptist

St. George
Holy Cross Church

NEW ULM
3M
American Family Insurance-Lori Opitz
Bank Midwest
Blethen Berens
Cathedral of Holy Trinity
Christ the King Church
Chuck Spaeth Ford
Church of St. Mary
Citizens Bank Minnesota
First United Methodist Church
Frandsen Bank
Inspired

NEW ULM (Cont)
Kraft Heinz Food Company
MLC-Pioneer College Caterers
New Ulm Medical Center
New Ulm Chamber
New Ulm Chiropractic
New Ulm Schools- Kids Connection
New Ulm Regional Veterinary Center
New Ulm Recreation Center
New Ulm Turner Hall
Richardson Building
Riverbend Business Products
Oak Hills Living Center
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
United Prairie Bank
Windings