Running Start for School 2026 - Volunteer Shift 20
New Location: Jefferson Elementary School
Address: 1201 10th Ave NE, Rochester MN 55906
Shift 20: Prepare backpacks for distribution
United Way of Southeast Minnesota's Running Start for School program helps ensure that local students begin the school year prepared and ready to learn. Through this community-wide school supply initiative, we provide backpacks and essential school supplies to children and families across Southeast Minnesota.
When students have the tools they need to succeed, they are better positioned to engage in learning, attend school regularly, and achieve academic success.
Each year, United Way of Southeast Minnesota distributes thousands of backpacks to students in participating schools across the region. Our 2026 goal is to provide over 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to area students, and we need your help!
Volunteer Information
We are currently seeking teams of volunteers to help prepare backpacks for distribution mid-August. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks, including: moving and unpacking boxes from our vendors, keeping count and checking over supplies, inserting informational materials, organizing backpacks by age group, sorting, packing, and labeling boxes for distribution to schools, and general cleanup and housekeeping.
This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams to make a direct impact on local students while learning more about United Way's work in our communities.
To prepare for your shift
- Please wear comfortable shoes because you will be standing on a concrete floor.
- Also, the workspace is warm, so please dress in light-weight, comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
- Please note our new location is Jefferson Elementary School gym.
- Address: 1201 10th Ave NE, Rochester MN 55906
- Free parking is available on site.
- Complete our Volunteer Agreement before you arrive for your shift:
- If you prefer to turn in a physical copy, please print, sign, and return the Fillable PDF Volunteer Waiver or Viewable PDF Volunteer Agreement to Zeni via email or on arrival.
Please note: This work would not be possible without a variety of skill sets and abilities, and we welcome and value all our volunteers! United Way attempts to include a variety of activities during each shift to accommodate anyone and everyone who wants to participate- including those who prefer to work alone rather than in groups and those who may need to work from a seated position. Please rest assured that we will have volunteer activities for all those who would like to join us in support of this work!
For more information, contact our Impact Operations Associate, Zeni Aly at 507-287-7877 or zenia@uwsemn.org
