Cass County Kids Set to Receive Backpacks Filled with School Supplies from United Way of Southwest Michigan
Volunteers packed backpacks for the School Supply Spectacular event in 2023 for students in Marcellus.
As the new school year approaches, United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up to ensure that every child in Cass County has the tools they need to succeed. The annual School Supply Spectacular event is back, providing free backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students.
Though registration for the event is now closed and all school supply recipient spots are filled, the media is still invited to cover this event.
This year, the event will take place at four locations across Cass County:
Monday, August 5, 2024 - Sam Adams Elementary School, 114 S. Depot St., Cassopolis, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - Marcellus High School, 303 W. Arbor St., Marcellus, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - Edwardsburg Intermediate School, 27157 U.S. 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Dowagiac Union High School, 701 W. Prairie Ronde Street, Dowagiac, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
"We understand the financial burden that back-to-school shopping can place on families, and we are committed to alleviating some of that stress through this great annual event," said Debbie Ramirez, Director of Volunteer Engagement at United Way of Southwest Michigan. "Our goal is to ensure that every child starts the school year with confidence and the necessary tools to succeed."
To receive a backpack, children must be present at one of the event locations and be registered in advance. Over 850 backpacks will be given out over the four event locations in Cass County. Only those registered may receive school supplies. Registration for students is now closed.
Children receiving backpacks will also have the chance to win a "Golden Ticket," randomly stuffed inside ten select backpacks. Winners will receive additional back-to-school goodies with their Golden Ticket.
The Cass County School Supply Spectacular is made possible through the generous support of community partners, donors, and volunteers. This year’s sponsors include The McLoughlin Family Foundation, Michigan Gateway Foundation, St. Denys Foundation, and Lyons Industries, with additional support from the Edward Lowe Foundation, EQ United, and Midwest Energy & Communications.
This event is organized by United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer United program, a free service that connects volunteers with opportunities and organizations with volunteers. Any individual can create an account at uwsm.org/volunteer, and fill out your profile to be matched with future opportunities and to organizations you are interested in. For organizations, you may post your volunteer opportunities to allow others to sign up quickly and easily.
Volunteers are still needed to assist with various tasks during the School Supply Spectacular event, including setup, distribution, and cleanup at all four locations. Interested volunteers and groups can login to Volunteer United and choose the opportunities that fit them best, here: https://volunteer.uwsm.org/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=2112
Press are invited to please cover one of the four events as part of your beat. United Way staff will be on hand for interviews, and there will be plenty of opportunities to capture b-roll video. United Way staff can assist you in finding families or volunteers to speak with as well. If we can accommodate you in any way, please email zack.east@uwsm.org or call or text (269) 985-3011.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to sustain a united community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community's most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocacy, and volunteering by visiting www.uwsm.org.
