Not trying to wreck your summer right now but just a heads up, school starts again in about a month (plus or minus a week or two depending on where you live in Minnesota).  Target, Walmart, and all of the stores are getting ready to show you ALL of the fancy and new pencil pouches, backpacks, and items that are needed for your kid this year in school.

While Back-to-School Shopping is expected to see a drop in the cost this year, it is still supposedly going to cost over $500 to get all of the supplies and clothes for one kid this year.  60% of people are planning to pay for back-to-school costs with a debit card, 58% will be using a credit card, while 3% aren't sure how these items will be paid.  

Jessica Williams - TSM Rochester
Jessica Williams - TSM Rochester
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That 3% of people who aren't sure how they are going to pay for school supplies...those are our neighbors, it is the pitcher on your kids' baseball team, your youngest kids' best friend at camp this summer...

...it is about 3,500 kids in our area who attend 40+ different schools.

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Canva
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3,400+ Backpacks Needed to Give Kids a Running Start for School in Olmsted County

If you've been in Rochester, Minnesota for a few years, you probably remember the big bins that were set up all over the Med City to collect school supplies for kids in our area.  I know a few people have asked me recently where the bins were. The bins disappeared when the pandemic hit but thanks to the internet, it is now even easier to help kids in our area!  In fact, you could help while you are binge-watching Netflix.

Jessica On The Radio - TSM
Books full of 3,400+ backpacks for kids in the Olmsted County area - Jessica On The Radio - TSM
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Everything You Need to Know About the Running Start for Kids Program with the United Way of Olmsted County

A LOT of supplies are still needed and with just a few clicks and a few bucks spent, you are helping a child start the school year off with a running start.

On the Roonga website, you will see the following 4 items that are still needed:

  • Pre-K Backpack and School Supply Kit that costs a total of $7.99
  • Elementary Backpack and School Supply Kit that costs a total of $16.10
  • Middle School Backpack and Supplies that costs a total of $15.36
  • High School Backpack and Supplies that costs a total of $19.26

You simply add this to your cart, pay for it online, and you just helped a child in our area have what they need for their 2024-2025 school year!

How Do I Get My Family Signed Up for Free School Supplies?

I don't have the contact info for all of the individual schools but, according to the United Way of Olmsted County website, if you are wondering how to get your kids signed up for the free school supplies, you are asked to contact your child's school directly.  They should have more information for you.

HOW TO RECEIVE FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES THROUGH THE RUNNING START FOR SCHOOL PROGRAM

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Townsquare Media Rochester - Preston
Townsquare Media Rochester - Preston
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Do you have an event coming up in Southeast Minnesota?

Every year, we help the community in a variety of ways from supporting local fundraisers, to running daily public service messages, to creating digital community campaigns and hosting events attended by thousands. Learn more about how Townsquare Media Cares here.

If you have an event coming up or work for a nonprofit in Southeast Minnesota, I'd love to learn more! Send me a note at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com or on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio.

38 of the Best Mom Quotes Ever From Kids in Minnesota

Every mom has that one phrase or saying that always comes out of their mouth at the perfect time. Maybe while a child is being stubborn and doesn't want to eat the vegetables on the plate. Or it could be that lovely reminder to put a coat on when it is below 20 degrees. It could even be that nice nudge to clean your room so you have more than just a path.

Moms are full of great tips, and advice, and we've heard a lot of great phrases from our moms...in the good times and the bad.

I asked kids in Minnesota to send me their favorite mom quotes...and we've got a great list!  Did your mom say any of these famous quotes?

Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio