United Way and Essentia Health Distribute Over 23,000 Additional School Supplies to Local Schools

United Way of Cass-Clay and Essentia Health successfully delivered more than  23,000 additional school supply items to Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo school districts this afternoon at  Eastwood Elementary in West Fargo.

The delivery, which took place at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, November  20, ensures that students who enroll throughout the school year have the tools they need to succeed. As student mobility continues to remain high in the metro area, many children enter school in October,  November, or later without essential supplies. Today’s delivery helps close that gap and ensures schools  are equipped to support every student—no matter when they arrive. 

This year, the United Way School Supply Drive set an ambitious goal of helping 6,500 students—500 more  than last year—and reached that goal thanks to the generosity of Essentia Health and the community.  Recognizing the increased need, Essentia Health stepped forward once again to help fill the mid-year supply  shortage. 

“At Essentia Health, our mission is to make a healthy difference in people’s lives, and that begins with  ensuring children have what they need to succeed in school. We’re grateful to partner with United Way to  provide these additional supplies so that every student—no matter when they join a classroom—has the  resources they need to learn and thrive,” said Essentia Health West Market President Dr. Stefanie Gefroh.

One in four local families struggles to make ends meet, making access to basic school supplies a barrier for  many students. “We believe every child deserves to walk into the classroom with confidence and the right  tools. Thanks to our partnership with Essentia Health, we’re able to reach more students than ever and  make sure those who arrive mid-year aren’t left behind. A backpack is more than supplies—it’s a message  that someone believes in them,” said Sandi Piatz, President & CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay.