Annual Rainier school supply drive kicks off June 12

Backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and more will be piling up at collection sites across Rainier, as volunteers and residents come together for the annual Community School Supply Drive. The aim of the drive is to help local students start the school year prepared and confident.

Organized by United Way of Columbia County and in partnership with Rainier Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, the drive kicks off on Thursday, June 12, and will run through mid-August. The goal is to fill more than 100 backpacks with all the essential school supplies for students from low-income families.

The most requested items include spiral notebooks, glue sticks, folders, crayons, and calculators. Monetary donations can also be made online, with funds going directly toward bulk purchasing from local suppliers. Only new and unused supplies are encouraged for donation, especially backpacks.

“We know that when kids walk into the classroom with the right tools, they’re more likely to feel confident and stay engaged,” said United Way of Columbia County Executive Director Claire Catt. “This drive isn’t just about supplies; it’s about equity and giving every student a fair shot.”

Residents can drop off donations at several convenient locations throughout Rainier, including the Rainier Senior Center, Rainier City Hall, Sabor Mixto & More, Mee Maw’s Attic, Elevate Coffee & Decor, Rainier Deli Mart, and other community establishments to be announced as the program gets started.

Last year, the drive supported over 80 students in the district. Organizers hope to beat that number this year, especially as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets. Distribution will be scheduled for late August, just before the first day of school.

“This is what community looks like,” Catt said. “When we show up for each other, we all win.”

The United Way and the Rainier Chamber of Commerce are also calling for volunteers to help sort and pack supplies as the school year approaches and is hoping to have a “Stuff the Bus” event in mid-August to wrap up the campaign.

For more information, contact info@unitedway of columbiacounty.com. Monetary donations can be accepted online at http://www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com.