United Way of Central Ohio and our partner NBC4 invited donors, volunteers and corporate partners to our annual Stuff the Backpack event on Aug. 10, and the community responded in a BIG way.

We aimed to gather 300 volunteers at Lower.com Field to pack 1,000 backpacks in 90 minutes. Instead, we smashed that goal with the help of 500+ volunteers packing more than 1,500 backpacks for central Ohio students in 45 minutes.

Time and time again, our supporters prove that when central Ohio stands united, there is nothing we can’t do. Thank you to everyone who generously gave their time, money and resources to ensure students in our community start the school year with the supplies they need to thrive.

If you missed the opportunity to contribute but still want to give, it’s not too late. We welcome your donations through Aug. 31. Remember, your $10 donation can fill a backpack for a student so they can start the year feeling confident, prepared and ready to learn. AND every $10 gift equals an entry to win a Crew VIP package with an autographed jersey, Crew swag items, four tickets to the Sept. 20 match plus a meet-and-greet with defender Josh Williams after the match. Give today!