COLUMBIA, S.C. – United Way of the Midlands is launching their 4th annual Ready, Set, Supply. initiative, a drive aimed at stocking the classrooms of elementary school educators throughout the Midlands.
The drive focuses on schools served by United Way’s Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC), their education initiative committed to fostering a love of learning in both literacy and STEM. The initiative will provide classroom supply kits to teachers at 11 MRC partner schools across Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, Newberry, and Orangeburg counties.
“The generosity of our Midlands community continues to amaze us,” said Laura Gould, Community Engagement Manager at United Way of the Midlands. “Last year, over 12,000 supplies were donated to our Ready, Set, Supply. drive, allowing us to provide supply kits to 55 local classrooms and helping 1,100 students start the school year with the materials they need to succeed. We hope to make an even greater impact this year.”
Several local businesses are participating in the initiative by hosting workplace supply drives, including Elliott Davis, F&ME Consultants, Inc., and the SC Department of Commerce.
Anyone interested in supporting this initiative can do so by buying and donating items requested by teachers from the supply wish list below.
United Way is also accepting monetary donations on their website, www.uway.org/readysetsupply, to buy additional supplies.
• Ticonderoga #2 Pencils (24-pack)
• Crayola Crayons (24-count)
• Elmer’s Glue Sticks
• Wide-RuledComposition Notebooks (no spirals)
• Loose-Leaf Wide-Ruled Filler Paper (100-pack)
• EXPO Markers (Low Odor, Thin/Fine Tip – 4-pack)
• Clorox Wipes (Bleach-Free)
• Hand Sanitizer (8 oz)
• Kleenex Facial Tissues
• Crayola Colored Pencils (12-pack)
• Crayola Washable Markers (8-pack, thin & regular)
• Index Cards
• Sticky Notes
• Elmer’s Purple Glue Sticks
• Pocket Folders (1 Red, 1 Blue, 2 Assorted)
• Plastic Folders with Prongs/Brads
• Plastic Supply Box or Pencil Pouch
• Ziploc Bags: Gallon (Girls), Quart (Boys), Sandwich/Snack
Collected supplies can be dropped off to United Way of the Midlands at 1818 Blanding Street in Columbia between July 14–18, from 10 am – 3 pm. Deliver items in banker boxes or printer paper boxes, clearly labeled with your name/company name and “School Supply Donation.” Smaller boxes and labels make it easier for United Way staff and volunteers to sort donations and transport supplies to the schools.
Photo from United Way website
