More than 100,000 students in the Twin Cities area go back to school each year without essential school supplies like notebooks, pencils, pens and calculators. To help level the playing field for local students, the Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW) hosted their tenth annual Action Day. Post Consumer Brands™ was thrilled to serve as a sponsor again this year, and have employees volunteer at both at the community packing event and at a satellite event at headquarters in early August.
As a sponsor of the event, more than 30 Post™ employees volunteered for two hours at the community Action Day, held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Additionally, 90 employees gave their time at a satellite event at Post’s corporate headquarters in Lakeville, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 13. In total, Post volunteers assembled more than 1,600 backpacks. Backpacks assembled during the satellite event will be distributed through 360 communities and School District #196.
“Action Day has supported 375,000 students since its inception 10 years ago,” said Melissa Kadlec, corporate relationship officer at Greater Twin Cities United Way. “That impact would not have been possible without our partners. We are incredibly thankful for Post’s continued support of our Action Day events.”
Between Action Day and additional satellite events held at other Minnesota businesses throughout the summer, GTCUW aims to pack a total of 62,000 backpacks to distribute throughout the Twin Cities metro and surrounding areas.
“Over the past decade, we’ve grown from serving 6,000 students to over 60,000, thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, partners and donors,” said John Wilgers, president and CEO of Greater Twin Cities United Way. “Together, we’re helping to ensure that every child in our community has the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”
Supplies provided included notebooks, erasers, glue sticks, pencils, folders, markers and more.
“Action Day is helping families get the school supplies they need, but its impact is even wider than that,” said Melissa Wilson, senior director of engagement at Greater Twin Cities United Way. “When students are equipped for the school year, it gives them a feeling of confidence and belonging. Action Day shows kids that our community believes in them and is invested in their success.”
At Post, we have a shared passion for making lives better. Thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time to help GTCUW achieve its goal. We also wish all students, parents and teachers a wonderful upcoming school year! Discover more about how Post’s community impact and volunteering efforts do right for our communities.