United Way of Central Ohio is thrilled to announce the success of our 2024 Stuff the Backpack event! This incredible initiative brought together over 550 passionate volunteers who have made a difference in our community, ensuring that thousands of children start the school year with the supplies they need to succeed. View photos of the event here.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, volunteers showed up in full force, dedicating their time and energy across three bustling shifts. Together, they stuffed, quality-checked and boxed an astounding 10,000 backpacks. Filled with essential school supplies, these backpacks are now set to reach students across Franklin, Licking and Union County school districts.
The success of this event, now in its third year, is a testament to the incredible spirit of our community. Employees from 54 different organizations across central Ohio rolled up their sleeves and joined the effort. But the story doesn’t end there. Thanks to the generosity of our community, over $26,000 has been raised so far to cover the cost of school supplies, and it’s not too late to get involved. We will continue accepting donations in the coming weeks to keep this momentum going.
Give $10 = One Stuffed Backpack
While Stuff the Backpack ensures students start the school year with the supplies they need, it’s only one part of the equation to student success. Using a proven collective impact model, United Way serves as the backbone organization for Success by Third Grade, a movement bringing together individuals, nonprofits, corporations, school districts and governments to tackle nonacademic barriers to reading proficiency.
If you’d like to contribute to Success by Third Grade to support students year round, please click on the link below.
Join the Success by Third Grade Movement
United, we can build a stronger, more equitable central Ohio for everyone.
Many thanks to our partners and sponsors of this event:
NBC4 | Columbus Crew | EASE Logistics | Parichute | Condado Tacos | Big Lots | Grange Insurance | Hexion | Medical Mutual | Bailey Cavalieri | JPMorgan Chase | The Olivia Claire Obrokta Foundation | Osteopathic Heritage Foundations | Porter Wright | White Castle | Smith
Additional thanks to NBC4 Sponsors:
PrimaryOne Health | Franklin County Board of Commissioners | CME Federal Credit Union