The pandemic has created new challenges for every nonprofit. Ready Set School is no different. Our assistance is more critical than ever before, and we are faced with balancing this need and the fact that large fundraising events are not viable if we want to keep our community safe. In the past year, we found different ways to raise money to assist Winona County families, and we’re committed to continuing this work. However, due to the lack of opportunities to publicly fundraise, donations are extremely important to the success of our program.
Starting school should be an exciting time for everyone, especially after the past year of distance or hybrid learning. However, if a family is unable to afford everything their child needs, their child may enter the classroom feeling apprehensive or nervous. Our work ensured that more than 1,100 children in 2020 went back into their classrooms (or Zoom rooms) ready to interact with their teachers and classmates confidently because they did not lack the necessary supplies to succeed. We are so thankful that Ready Set School is able to offer a slight reprieve to our neighbors, and we’re extremely grateful for donors who support our mission. At the same time, our program applications grew by 400 students over the past two years, adding $20,000 to our voucher expenses (from $46,000 to $66,000).
At this time, we humbly ask for your support. All donations received by May 31 will be given to families in need starting this July for the 2021-2022 school year.
The Ready Set School program supports grandparents who are currently taking care of grandchildren and need a little extra help. It assists single parents working multiple jobs who want to be sure their children have everything they need for school. It helps caregivers who are out of work and grateful to not have to choose between buying their children school supplies or buying groceries. Your generosity helps Winona County students start the school year with the right tools ready to learn!
Ways to Donate:
- Mail to: Ready Set School, 51 E. 4th Street, Suite 404, Winona, MN 55987
- Drop off at any WNB Financial location
- Donate online at https://readysetschoolwinona.org/donate
Thank you for your time and consideration!
