MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 1, 2023) – Over the last two years, the cost of school supplies has increased by nearly 25 percent, increasing the financial burden for families in the Greater Twin Cities. Greater Twin Cities United Way, the St. Paul Saints and the Minnesota Twins are teaming up to address this challenge by hosting “Action Day 2023.” On August 3, 1,500 volunteers will gather at Target Field to pack backpacks full of school supplies for 40,000 local K-12 students so they can head back to school ready to thrive.
“We’re so pleased to return to Target Field this year, where we hosted our very first Action Day in 2016,” said John Wilgers, President and CEO of Greater Twin Cities United Way. “The partnership of the St. Paul Saints and the Minnesota Twins – and all of our Minnesota professional sports teams – is a great example of the transformative impact that’s possible when changemakers unite.”
Over 100 of United Way’s nonprofit and school district partners will pick up the backpacks filled with supplies from Target Field and distribute them to students in the region. Since 2016, more than 250,000 K-12 students in the Greater Twin Cities have received school supplies through Action Day.
“With families facing higher costs this year as they head back to school, it’s so important to the Twins that we ensure kids have the supplies they need for a great year,” said Dave St. Peter, President & CEO of the Minnesota Twins. “We’re proud to stand with Greater Twin Cities United Way and the many partners who are working to make this year’s Action Day a success.”
Action Day 2023 is made possible through the support of a record nearly 40 partners, including 30 corporate sponsors and all seven of Minnesota’s professional sports teams. In addition to the supplies packed at Target Field, an additional 2,000 backpacks will be packed by Action Day supporters at off-site events and via at-home volunteering.
“The Saints couldn’t be happier to co-host Action Day at Target Field this year,” said Derek Sharrer, EVP & General Manager of the St. Paul Saints. “It’s always amazing to see all of our Minnesota professional sports teams coming together and working in partnership with so many dedicated volunteers to make a positive impact for kids.”
Community members can support Action Day by volunteering from home or by making a donation. Just $12 provides one backpack full of school supplies, and enters the donor in a sweepstakes with prizes from Minnesota’s professional sports teams.
Learn more about Action Day 2023 and how to get involved at uwactionday.org.
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About Greater Twin Cities United Way: Greater Twin Cities United Way unites changemakers, advocates for social good and develops solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone to create a community where all people thrive. For more information, visit www.gtcuw.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contact: Liz Skree, Greater Twin Cities United Way, liz.skree@gtcuw.org, 651-334-7764
