CINCINNATI (April 29, 2026) – United Way of Greater Cincinnati is seeking volunteers to buy, collect or assemble backpacks filled with school supplies for local students. The goal of this year’s Backpacks for Success initiative is to provide supplies to at least 3,000 students throughout the region.
“We want children to start the school year feeling confident and ready to learn,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “When students have the right supplies, they can focus on what matters most, and our community can help make that possible for so many more children through this opportunity.”
Thanks to volunteers, donors, corporate partners and community organizations, United Way’s Backpacks for Success collection has grown over the last four years, providing backpacks full of supplies to elementary, middle and high school students in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
Donations are accepted through July 24.
Ways to Support Backpacks for Success
- Shop online – Purchase school supplies for elementary and middle/high school students from our virtual shopping list by July 3. They’ll be shipped to our office.
- Host an assembly event – Purchase backpacks and school supplies on your own from a list provided by United Way; assemble the backpacks with friends, family or colleagues; and deliver them to United Way for distribution.
- Volunteer in person – Volunteers, including small groups of up to 10 people, are needed to assemble backpacks ahead of back-to-school distribution events.
To participate or learn more, visit uwgc.org/backpacks.
Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at United Way’s front desk (2400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45202).
