At Davis we’re accustomed to developing spaces where people and communities can thrive, and this fall we channeled that energy into building something new: educational foundations for local students. According to the United Way, 1 in 10 students return to school each year without a backpack and adequate school supplies. In fact, in the Greater Twin Cities area alone, more than 100,000 students enter school empty-handed, arriving without even the most basic educational items.
For many families, back-to-school necessities bring significant financial stress as raising children today is more challenging than ever before. In the Twin Cities metro area, the cost of raising a child now averages over $30,000 annually—a figure that includes childcare, housing, food, medical expenses, and transportation. With childcare alone costing nearly $19,000 per year per child in the Minneapolis metro, families are facing unprecedented financial pressure so any additional expense, even school supplies, becomes a genuine burden.
At Davis we understand that strong foundations are essential for any building project. This is also true for children being developed into life-long learners. When a child walks into the classroom with the supplies they need, they’re prepared to do more than just learn; They’re also equipped with the dignity and confidence necessary to cultivate positive peer relationships and feel like they belong. So we decided to team up and make a difference.
Our team purchased enough school supplies to create back-to-school kits for 30 local students, packing everything from #2 pencils, markers and crayons to college ruled notebooks and scientific calculators. As our team generated each kit, we reflected on the impact our efforts would have on individual students and their families.
This experience reinforced our belief that being the change we wish to see requires more than good intentions—it demands action. By researching the need, investing our resources, and dedicating our time, we demonstrated our commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in our community; That’s the #DavisDifference.
Looking Forward
Our school supplies drive reminded us that meaningful change happens when we move beyond awareness to action. It’s one thing to understand that 10% of our local students lack adequate school supplies, but it’s another to roll up our sleeves and choose to do something about it. The Greater Twin Cities United Way has spent generations bringing together people who believe in creating a community where all people thrive, regardless of income, race, or place. Our school supplies drive was just one small part of that larger mission, but it was our part—and it made a difference.
How You Can Help
If this story motivates you to make a difference, please know the United Way offers many ways to get involved and would love your support. Here are just a few ideas:
- Volunteer with United Way: Whether joining an in-person Action Day event or opting to champion an initiative from home, the United Way offers numerous year-round opportunities to support your local community!
- Organize a Drive: Rally your workplace, neighborhood, or social group to collect supplies or funds that support local causes that interest you.
- Make a Financial Contribution: Your donation to the United Way helps support a range of initiatives that address critical community needs. Every dollar matters!
- Help Spread Awareness: Share information about volunteer opportunities you come across with your network. Many people want to help but simply don’t know how significant the need is or where to start.
To learn more about these impactful volunteer opportunities, visit the volunteer page of the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s website at https://www.gtcuw.org/volunteer/.