With your support, we are going to be sending 1,044 students vouchers worth $60 each in July to use toward back-to-school supplies and clothing! This represents a 10% increase in need over 2022, and 32% increase in need since 2021. We are happy to be reaching more families that need assistance as back-to-school is an expensive time for all families. At the same time, we feel inflation continues to pinch family budgets and is partly the cause of the increase in requests for vouchers.
For families that do not qualify for vouchers, missed the program or their family situation changes (loss of job or medical issues), we have a secondary program in August where we provide a backpack with school supplies to those students on a first come, first serve basis. On average, we give out another 200 backpacks with this program!
For both our programs, we rely on private donations, grants and fundraising events to support our mission to ensure K-12 Winona County students have basic and necessary tools for school. We continue to have strong support from the community – but with an increase in need for vouchers and possibly backpacks, comes in increase in need in financial support.
If you have not given a donation yet, please know it’s not too late. If you have given a donation (thank you) but want to help again, please consider another donation if you can. Donations received now through July 31 will be used toward our backpack program. Thank you for helping us serve Winona County students and families!
Mail in check to 111 Riverfront Suite 2E Winona, MN 55988 or
DONATE ONLINE HERE: Donate (readysetschoolwinona.org)
