Marshfield Area United Way to hold ‘Supplies 4 Success’ backpack and school supply drive

By Mary Wolff

Marshfield Area United Way

While in school I had a demanding relationship with my backpack. Meaning, I demanded a lot of my backpack. I pushed it to the limit every single day.

My backpack held more than just my school books. It had my whole life not so neatly packed inside. It stored the brown bag lunch I brought every day, the uniform I would use at practice later, and anything else that I could possibly need. I pushed my backpack as far as I could until sophomore year of high school when my trusted companion gave out on me.

I had finally filled it too far. I only had to manage for one week without a backpack, and I was lost. It was a nightmare trying to get my work from school to home and back. No matter how I stacked it, I just could not take everything that I needed for school.

When I finally did get another backpack, I valued it so much more. As I came to finish my college career this past May, I was able to retire my old backpack. It was a little torn and had a broken zipper, but it made such a positive difference on my ability to learn. It allowed me to easily get to every class and never have to sacrifice any books for sake of space.

Coming back to Marshfield, I was shocked to find out that over 700 students needed assistance with school supplies last year. I was lost for a week when I did not have my backpack. I cannot imagine the stress of not having access to one at all.

Fortunately, our community is working to take down some of the barriers to obtaining school supplies. Thanks to the support and graciousness of the Marshfield community, Marshfield Area United Way is able to run the “Supplies 4 Success” backpack and school supply drive. If you want to contribute to the education of area students, there are donation sites throughout Marshfield.

The drive starts on July 27 and runs until Aug. 9. For more information please contact Marshfield Area United Way at 715-384-9992 or check out marshfieldareaunitedway.org/backpack.