Lorain, Ohio – United Way of Greater Lorain County is accepting school supplies in preparation
for the upcoming school year. Individuals, community groups, and businesses are encouraged
to host a school supply collection either virtually or at their facility. All items will be distributed
directly to Lorain County elementary schools before the start of the school year.
If the virtual option is preferred, an Amazon Shopping List link is available that can direct donors
to the highest need items. Themed school bus collection boxes are also available for onsite
supply drives. Local companies hosting school supply collections include FirstEnergy, Lubrizol
Corporation, Nord Center, United Consumer Financial Services, and Lorain Public Library
System among others.
“All kids deserve the right tools to set them up for success,” said United Way of Greater Lorain
County Marketing and Engagement Director Colleen Walts. “With the support of local
companies and community groups, United Way of Greater Lorain County is committed to
supporting students and their families through the upcoming school year.”
During the 2021 Fill the Bus school supply drive, United Way of Greater Lorain County received
over 22,000 items, distributed to 12 local school districts, and had 31 businesses running
collections.
“We hope to beat last year’s donations,” said Norma Sanchez, Volunteer Engagement Manager
at United Way of Greater Lorain County. “We want every single Lorain County student to have a
backpack overflowing with school supplies. That would be a dream come true for us.”
The school supply collection is a part of United Way of Greater Lorain County’s year-round
Collect.Sort.Deliver Impact Initiative through which volunteers collect and inventory high-need
items such as school supplies, books, and tampons and pads. The items are available for
distribution through local social service and educational agencies.
To make a donation, visit uwloraincounty.org/fillthebus. Supplies will be delivered directly to at
least 11 school districts throughout Lorain County before the first week of school where
teachers and staff can distribute to the students and classrooms with the greatest need.
To learn more about the Collect.Sort.Deliver Impact Initiative, contact Norma Sánchez at 440-
277-6530 or norma.sanchez@uwloraincounty.org
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United Way of Greater Lorain County leads community-wide innovation to tackle problems that
most people say can’t be solved. In unforgiving cities, overlooked townships, and seemingly
docile suburbs. We find every dollar we can to address them. But we are more than the
fundraisers. United Way brings together over 150 organizations to power 10 Community
Collaboratives. Together, we fight for the health, education, and financial stability of low-income
working families who need our help in Greater Lorain County. We have one life. To live better,
we must Live United. Learn more at uwloraincounty.org or by calling 440-277-6530
