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Engages the community in collecting donations of new school supplies and backpacks. Donations received are then sorted and packed into new backpacks that are distributed to registered Douglas and Pope County K-12 students. 

School supplies offered in August, to children who attend Foley schools, grades K - 12. Provides school supplies appropriate to the student's grade will be available along with backpacks. School supply donations are accepted from the community at any time.

Information is listed below for residents of the following counties: Benton, Crow Wing, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright. If a program is not listed in a specific area, individuals should contact their school district's social worker for possible assistance with school supplies.

ANYONE

CLOSED BeMobile's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway

• Distribution: Tuesday, July 21st - Thursday, July 23rd
• Eligibility: Open to all families in need of free school supplies and a backpack
• Registration: Walk-in, first come-first served until supplies last
• Where: Visit the https://bemobile.com/13thannualbackpackgiveaway/for participating BeMobile Verizon stores
• Description: Provides a free backpack filled with school supplies. There is a limit of 3 backpacks per family to ensure that as many families as possible can benefit from this event. Every guest who picks up a backpack or visits a BeMobile Verizon store during the event dates can enter to win a $500 shopping spree to help with back-to-school needs. CLOSED

CLOSED 2026 United Way of Central Minnesota - School Supply Drive

• Intake: Visit https://www.unitedwayhelps.org/school-supply-drive for information on the list of items most needed or to make monetary donations. School supplies can be dropped off at the following locations from now until Friday, August 14^th:

United Way of Central Minnesota

921 1st Street NorthSt. Cloud, MN 563038 am – 4 pm Monday-Thursday

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union2835 West Saint Germain StreetSt Cloud, MN 56301

SCHEELS (Customer Service Desk)30 Waite Avenue North, Suite 94, Waite Park, MN 56301

• Description: Accepts donations of school supplies and monetary donations to buy bulk school supplies that will be distributed to students in need. All school supplies will be donated to schools and youth programs around Central Minnesota. CLOSED

CLOSED Wireless Zone 2026 Backpack Giveaway

• Distribution: Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 1 pm till supplies last
• Eligibility: Open to all
• Registration: Walk-in first come-first served. No registration is needed.
• Where: Visit https://wirelesszone.com/backpack-giveaway/ to find a participating store
• Description: Stop by a store for a free backpack filled with school supplies. While supplies last. One backpack per child. ONLY AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS CLOSED

CLOSED Zimmerman Community Church - Block Party and Backpack Giveaway

• Address: 12567 5th Avenue North, Suite 200, Zimmerman, MN 55398
• Phone: (763)308-5780
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://zcchurch.org
• Serves: Open to all
• Eligibility: Parents with elementary or Junior High students
• Intake: Walk in
• Distribution: 5 pm – 8 pm Wednesday, August 19th
• Description: Provides food, games, bounce house, and free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last CLOSED

BENTON COUNTY

CROSS Center of Benton County

• Address: 150 4th Avenue Foley, MN, 56329
• Serves: Children in grades K – 12 in need of school supplies who are residents of Benton County who attend Foley Public Schools Independent School District 51
• Registration: Walk in during the month of August from 1 pm – 7 pm Monday; 11 am – 3 pm Thursday
• Description: Provides free backpacks and school supplies

SHERBURNE COUNTY

CLOSED Community Backpack Event – Partnership of Main Street Family Services Family Resource Center, the Boys and Girls Club, CAER Food Shelf, and the Salvation Army

• Address: Boys and Girls Club, 905 6th Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330
• Serves: Residents of Sherburne County and/or Intermediate School District 728
• Eligibility: Families with school-age children in grades K-12
• Registration: Visit website to register https://forms.office.com/r/HPXhGmjqYq
• Distribution: 11 am – 3 pm Saturday, August 8th
• Description: Families will receive a backpack filled with school supplies (while supplies last) and have access to a variety of free resources and services, including: Backpack and school supply distribution, shoe distribution (while supplies last), fresh produce distribution, and a Community resource fair featuring local organizations. CLOSED

WRIGHT COUNTY

CROSS Center of Benton County

• Address: 150 4th Avenue Foley, MN, 56329
• Serves: Children in grades K – 12 in need of school supplies who are residents of Benton County who attend Foley Public Schools Independent School District 51
• Registration: Walk in during the month of August from 1 pm – 7 pm Monday; 11 am – 3 pm Thursday
• Description: Provides free backpacks and school supplies

CLOSED Project Pencils

• Serves: Children who attend a public school in Wright County
• Eligibility: Individuals and families with children who are in Kindergarten – 12th grade^
• Registration: Visit the website https://www.projectpencils.com/request.html to complete a separate form for each student needing the supplies. Only one parent can request supplies for the student
• Distribution: Pick-up location will be in St. Michael and the address will be sent via the confirmation e-mail. Pick up dates will be 9 am – 1 pm Saturday, August 15^th and 4 pm – 8 pm Tuesday, August 18^th
• Description: Provides school supplies CLOSED

The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:

Food programs

- Food shelf vouchers

Application assistance

- Food support

- Health insurance

- Social security benefits

Seasonal

- School supply distribution

- Winter clothing

 - Food baskets

- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need

Outreach and referrals to

- Budgeting

- Housing

- Medical services

- Parenting education

- Transportation

The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:

Food programs

- Food shelf vouchers

Application assistance

- Food support

- Health insurance

- Social security benefits

Seasonal

- School supply distribution

- Winter clothing

 - Food baskets

- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need

Outreach and referrals to

- Budgeting

- Housing

- Medical services

- Parenting education

- Transportation

- Located 2.3 miles south of Target on Highway 169 (east side of road) - Donations of Clothing can be taken to the Service Center at this time - They will accept clothing and other merchandise as there is room available to store it - Emergency Food Boxes on site - Please call for larger items to donate

Collects donated new and used books at a Saint Paul warehouse and ship them to schools in Africa Guidelines: Accepted: Fiction and nonfiction reading books 15 years old or newer, textbooks and reference books with publication dates of 2005 or later, school/office supplies Not accepted: Magazines, home decorating/wedding/cookbooks, ethnocentric books, foreign languages books except for those in French, American history or civics books, music books for grades kindergarten - 12th grade, murder mysteries, or anything with "kill," "die," etc. in the title

The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:

Food programs

- Food shelf vouchers

Application assistance

- Food support

- Health insurance

- Social security benefits

Seasonal

- School supply distribution

- Winter clothing

 - Food baskets

- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need

Outreach and referrals to

- Budgeting

- Housing

- Medical services

- Parenting education

- Transportation

Provides various forms of relief to military families through its programs, such as:

- Critical Financial Assistance: Rent, mortgage, utility, and medical bills; based on need

- Recurring Family Support programs: Back to School Brigade, Holiday Meals for Military, Star Spangled Baby Showers, Holiday Toy Drive, and Military Child of the Year.

- Vehicle Repair

Will accept donations of:

- Appliances

- Books

- Clothing (baby and general)

- Furniture (baby and general)

- New mattresses

- School supplies

- Sports equipment

Donated items can be dropped off or call to arrange a pick up.

- Non-profit, faith-based thrift shop provides the community of Waconia and surrounding areas with a place to purchase affordable clothing and household goods. - Bring a clothing or household donation during shop hours and receive $1 off any thrift store purchase of $1 or more. Receive $1 off for a non-perishable food donation to the Waconia Food Shelf. High school and college students can show student ID to receive 10% off their purchase. - Donations: Drop-off of donations is accepted and anyone interested in donating must stay in their vehicle and be present. Staff will unload donations from the vehicle. See website for complete listing of acceptable and non-acceptable items.

The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:

Food programs

- Food shelf vouchers

Application assistance

- Food support

- Health insurance

- Social security benefits

Seasonal

- School supply distribution

- Winter clothing

 - Food baskets

- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need

Outreach and referrals to

- Budgeting

- Housing

- Medical services

- Parenting education

- Transportation

Provides free school supplies; school supply donations accepted year-round

Assistance with: - Lodging for individuals experiencing homelessness - Rent assistance (in case of eviction) - Seasonal/holiday help - Utility assistance (in case of shut-off)

Collaborative effort that provides new back-to-school supplies to Olmsted County families with children in grades preK-12: - Backpacks and supplies are distributed to students through participating school districts - Donations are accepted online in early July when the supply drive opens - Organizations, groups, or businesses may participate by holding their own drive online - Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals or groups

Access point for Coordinated Entry housing programs.

Provides emergency and transitional shelter with supportive services for women and their children experiencing homelessness. Shelter includes family units with private bedrooms and shared common areas, emphasizing community living and shared responsibilities.

Basic Needs provided:

- Laundry facilities

- Limited food support

- Phone and internet access

- Personal care items

- Shelter

Supportive Services include:

- 24-hour staff support

- Case management

- Employment and life-skills education

- Personal advocacy

- Referrals and connections to other community resources

- Support groups

Permanent Supportive Housing:

- Offers rental assistance for a limited number of off-site permanent supportive housing units for families experiencing homelessness who face additional barriers, such as disability

- Ongoing supportive services to promote long-term housing stability

Volunteers, Donations, and Material assistance:

- Accepts volunteers, financial contributions, and in-kind donations

- Current organizational needs are listed here https://ruthshousemn.org/how-you-can-help/donate-supplies/needs-list/

Services vary from county to county; volunteer opportunities included for interested community members. Services may include: Basic needs: - Back-to-school assistance - Food - Housing - Other emergency needs - Transportation - Utility assistance Summer camps for youth Thrift store vouchers for clothing/household goods

Collects donated new and used books at a Saint Paul warehouse and ship them to schools in Africa Guidelines: Accepted: Fiction and nonfiction reading books 15 years old or newer, textbooks and reference books with publication dates of 2005 or later, school/office supplies Not accepted: Magazines, home decorating/wedding/cookbooks, ethnocentric books, foreign languages books except for those in French, American history or civics books, music books for grades kindergarten - 12th grade, murder mysteries, or anything with "kill," "die," etc. in the title

UNITED WAY ACTION DAY BACKPACKS

Follow the link to view a list of agencies that received the United Way Action Day backpacks: https://www.gtcuw.org/volunteer/action-day/partners/?utm_source=voicehive&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=2025_ad_voicehive_partners&_gl=1*1hyf6ac*_gcl_au*ODU2NzQ2NDAuMTc0NTQxNjMxMS40MjYzNzMzMzEuMTc1MDA3OTU0Ni4xNzUwMDgwMjYx*_ga*MTM5OTYyNzMwNi4xNzQ1NDE2MzEx*_ga_5H35F2YSK9*czE3NTAwNzk1MDMkbzI2JGcxJHQxNzUwMDgwMjc3JGo0NCRsMCRoMA..&_ga=2.134777457.1281218996.1750079503-1399627306.1745416311

NOTE: Agencies may distribute their own backpacks to already existing clients and/or provide them to individuals who are not current clients. Individuals can contact an agency to determine if they are eligible to receive a backpack from them or not. Residents of school districts should contact their school district’s office or social worker.

Donations accepted:

- Backpacks

- Bath towels and washcloths

- Blankets

- Large and small in-kind monetary donations

- Lotion

- Men’s and women’s sweat suits, size medium through 4 extra large

- Men’s boxers of all sizes

- Men’s hoodies size medium through 4 extra large

- Men’s shoes/hiking boots size 10-14

- Men’s sweat pants size medium through 4 extra large

- Pillows

- Winter gloves of all sizes

- Women’s hoodies size medium through 4 extra large

- Women’s sweat pants size medium through 4 extra large

- Women’s underwear size small through 2 extra large

Operates a thrift store and clothing pantry, and redistributes donated goods such as clothing, furniture, household items, school supplies, and emergency resources to help people move out of crises.

Individuals, community groups, and businesses can support victims of domestic violence by donating materials or volunteering. Available volunteer positions range from court advocacy to roles in maintenance, mentorship, office assistance, public speaking, reception and transportation support. All items should be new or gently used. Bedding and Household Items: - Standard size pillows - Twin blankets - Twin Bedding - Towels and wash cloths - Cooking utensils - Pots and pans - Cookie sheets - Toilet paper - Paper towels - Air mattresses Infants and Toddlers: - Baby teething rings, pacifiers, bottles, bibs - Diapers, sizes 4, 5, and 6 - Pull-ups - Disposable wipes - Baby bottles - Baby Monitors - Baby formula - Pedialyte - Clothes - Boys underwear - New Car Seats Children's enrichment center items: - Family board games - Card games (Uno, playing cards, memory, etc.) - Barbies, baby dolls, Infant toys, dump trucks - Art supplies (paints, brushes, colored pencils, glitter, stencils, markers) - Office paper, colored construction paper, butcher paper - Combined easel/chalkboard - School supplies Transitional clients moving out: - Hangers - Kitchen mat - Soap dispenser - Dishes - Cups/mugs - Silverware - Pots/pans - Coffee maker - Microwave - Toaster - Blender - Can Opener - Peeler - Cutting boards/cutting mats - Toilet paper - Toilet brush - Plunger - Towels - Shower curtain - Cleaning supplies, mops, brooms - Curtain rings - Curtain liner - Wastebasket - Personal care items Pet Supplies: - Dog collars - Dog and cat harnesses - Dog and cat food/treats - Dog and cat grooming combs/brushes - Litterbox liners - Cat litter Other Items: - Large bottles of shampoo, soap, face wash - Band aids - Hair products for women of color - Feminine hygiene products - Bus Tokens (Dial-A-Ride) - Gift cards for gas, retail stores, or groceries - Books (adult and child) - Paint By Number (for adults and children) - Ladies business attire - Ladies bathrobes - Household tool kits - Women's 1x pants, pajamas, hoodies - Women's tennis shoes & sandals size 8, 9, 10 - File-type organizers - Planners All cell phones are accepted, including cell phones without chargers or accessories, and broken cell phones. If a phone can't be converted, it is recycled. To donate, simply drop off or mail cell phones to the Mid-Minnesota Women's Center

The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:

Food programs

- Food shelf vouchers

Application assistance

- Food support

- Health insurance

- Social security benefits

Seasonal

- School supply distribution

- Winter clothing

 - Food baskets

- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need

Outreach and referrals to

- Budgeting

- Housing

- Medical services

- Parenting education

- Transportation

Accepts donations of:

- Backpacks

- Body wash - full size

- Cereal

- Cleaning supplies

- Hair products - full size

- Hamburger meat - 1 pound

- Mac and Cheese/boxed meals

- New pillows

- Paper towels

- Pasta and pasta sauce

- Peanut butter and jelly

- Tissues

- Toilet paper

Visit website for the complete updated list.

Accepts donations of:

- Backpacks

- Bath towels

- Cleaning supplies for bathrooms and kitchen

- Dish cloths

- Gently used blankets

- Gift cards to Hy-Vee, Kmart, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart

- Individually wrapped toothbrushes

- Napkins

- Paper towels

- Tall kitchen garbage bags and large yard bags

- Toilet paper