United Way of Midlands Young Leaders Society kicks off the year with virtual school supply drive
Columbia, S.C. (July 30, 2020) – Despite the school year in South Carolina being uncertain this year, United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society (YLS) is preparing to ensure children have adequate supplies needed to return to learning this fall, whether virtual or in person.
To help support these students and their families, United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society will host a virtual school supply drive August 1-August 31.
To meet the growing needs for assistance with school supplies, the virtual school supply drive will allow donors to purchase from the online store and order from the supply list.
“The world looks drastically different right now, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to help students in the Midlands succeed, both in and out of the classroom,” said Sara Fawcett, United Way of Midlands CEO. “Now more than ever, we need to come together to help provide students with the tools they need to learn.”
The Young Leaders Society has chosen to assist Kindergarten teachers in four school districts in Fairfield, Lexington, Orangeburg and Richland counties.
The kickoff is the annual celebration for the start of the United Way of the Midlands Young Leaders Society (YLS) year and a fundraiser for our literacy initiative, Be a Book Bunny. In the past this has been a black-tie optional event, attracting more than 275 young professionals from the Midlands.
In September, volunteers will come together in shifts to pack backpacks with the school supplies for those Kindergarten students. Volunteers will be required to wear a cloth face mask and gloves, and will be socially distanced while volunteering at this event.
To donate to the drive, visit here: https://www.roonga.com/ylsschooldrive. For businesses or community group that want to host a virtual drive online, contact Kalyn Duguay at kduguay@uway.org.
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About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in the community. With more than 70 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant awards and individual donations. For more information, please visit www.uway.org.