United Way volunteers to pack 10,000 school supply kits for local students
Who: United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania staff and volunteers; Wendy Koch, senior director of regional engagement, United Way.
What: On Aug. 13 and 14, around 200 volunteers will help pack 10,000 school supply kits during United Way’s annual Tools for Schools event. Kits are geared towards students in kindergarten through second grade. Each kit includes basics like folders, pencils, markers, pencil sharpeners, erasers, scissors, crayons, glue sticks and a pencil case. Elementary schools and school districts from across United Way’s five-county region will pick up the kits on Aug. 14 to distribute to students. This year’s Tools for Schools event was made possible by United Way partners First National Bank, Highmark Health and Sheetz.
Why: United Way is committed to connecting young people in our region with the opportunities they need to succeed and fulfill their potential. Providing students with high-quality school supplies is one way to help them feel confident, excited and prepared to start school. Since 2020, United Way has delivered school supply kits to more than 46,000 students through Tools for Schools and will have provided 56,000+ students with school supplies after this year’s event.
In addition to organizing high-impact volunteer events, United Way provides ongoing funding and needs-based grants to local education-focused agencies. In 2023 alone, United Way invested $1.5 million in 30 agencies working to level the playing field for students from pre-K to high school and beyond, assisting 27,000 students and adults. United Way’s new Beyond the Classroom rapid response grants will provide funding for out-of-school-time providers to address unexpected needs. Applications for the 2025-2026 grant cycle opened on July 1 and are reviewed on a rolling basis when funds are available.
When: Media are invited to attend on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Where: World Vision, 210 Overlook Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143.