Wow—we are incredibly inspired by the hundreds of Backpack Heroes who made certain our local students were prepared to succeed on day one of school!
This summer, central Ohio showed up in the biggest way for Stuff the Backpack 2025. Thanks to the generosity of countless donors who donated over $45,000 and corporate sponsors, plus the incredible energy of 850+ volunteers who showed up at Nationwide Arena on Aug. 6, thousands of kids walked into school this year with confidence and excitement. You made that possible—and we are so grateful.
At United Way of Central Ohio and NBC4, we believe in the incredible potential of every student. When our students have the tools they need, they can dream bigger, learn more and achieve their goals. Since 2018, Stuff the Backpack has equipped more than 240,000 students with the supplies they need to feel prepared, confident and excited to learn as soon as that first bell rings.
Congratulations to our raffle winners:
Signed CBJ Hockey Pucks: Michelle E and Katie E
Signed CBJ Hockey Sticks: Matt W and Philip B
CBJ Game Tickets: Sheila W and Katie O
The Power of a Backpack
It may seem simple—a backpack, some pencils, a few notebooks. But for families who are struggling to make ends meet, these supplies can make all the difference.
In central Ohio, nearly 2 out of 5 families with young children are living paycheck to paycheck. They’re known as ALICE families (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed). They work hard but are still unable to afford life’s basics like housing, childcare, and yes, school supplies.
That’s why Stuff the Backpack is about more than just supplies. It’s about giving kids the dignity of showing up with everything they need. And it’s one more way United Way is helping remove barriers to success for children in our community.
Why It Matters: Success by Third Grade
When we talk about backpacks, we’re really talking about the future. United Way’s Success by Third Grade movement is built on one simple truth, if a child isn’t reading at grade level by the end of third grade, they’re four times more likely to drop out of high school. But when kids start strong by coming to school ready to learn, with stable housing, healthy meals and the right support, they have a much better chance of thriving.
Stuffing backpacks might seem like a small act. But it’s part of a much bigger movement to ensure every child has the resources they need to succeed.
Thank You for Joining Us!
Whether you donated, volunteered or simply spread the word, you are a Backpack Hero and part of something that changed young lives. United is the Way to send our students back to school with love, encouragement and the supplies they need to achieve their dreams.
Many thanks to our partners and sponsors of this event:
NBC4 | Grange Insurance |
Hexion | Honda of America | The Olivia Claire Obrokta Foundation |
Bailey Cavalieri | JPMorgan Chase | Columbus City Council |
COTA | GBQ | G2G Consulting |Central Ohio Labor Council AFL-CIO | UPIC |
Besa | Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation | EASE Logistics | Nationwide Arena | UPS
