United Way launches ‘Write Start’ supply drive to help students

United Way Quad Cities is asking for the community’s help in providing 5,000 local students with essential school supplies and in raising $12,000 through the new Write Start Quad Cities School Supply Drive.

The supply drive, sponsored by Crawford Company and WQAD, will accept donations at several Quad Cities locations now through Friday, Aug. 2.

According to United Way, 100% of donations made online or at drop-off locations will go to Quad Cities students who need them most.

“When kids start school with the supplies they need, it can lift their grades and their attitude toward learning all year long,” Amy Orr, the agency’s vice president of corporate relations, said in a news release. “As many parents know, back-to-school season can be expensive. Local households can spend an average of $103 per student on school supplies alone.”

Emily Adams, Crawford Company’s business development manager, agreed, adding: “No student should have to go without the essential school supplies. When United Way stepped up to unite the community around this need, it was an easy yes knowing our support, along with other businesses and individuals, will ensure local kids start school with the supplies — and the confidence — they need to succeed all year long.”

United Way applauds these businesses and organizations for rallying their employees to raise supplies: Arconic, Bi-State Regional Commission, Build to Suit Inc., Eastern Iowa Community College, Jaycees of the Quad Cities, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Northwest Bank & Trust, PB Leiner, QCR Holdings, Quad City Bank & Trust, Russell, The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities, Sears Seating, The Sedona Group, Union Federal Savings & Loan Association and Vibrant Arena at the Mark.

These are the supplies needed ( * denotes greatest need): #2 pencils, sharpened*, colored pencils, composition notebooks, crayons, earbuds/headphones, erasers, glue sticks*, pencil boxes, pens*, pocket folders*, rulers, scissors, spiral notebooks, washable markers and watercolor paint. 

Where to donate

Donors can give or purchase supplies online at www.UnitedWayQC.org/write-start or stop at any of the drop-off locations:

Illinois 

  • WQAD, 3003 Park 16th St., Moline, Wednesday, July 17, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Mel Foster, 2500 41st St., Moline, Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • McManus Orthodontics, 4507 24th St., Rock Island, Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Midwest Complete Construction, 3720 46th Ave., Rock Island, Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Carpetland USA, 4201 44th Ave., Moline, Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays, July 13 and 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Iowa 

  • J.B. Young Opportunity Center, 1702 N. Main St., Davenport, Friday, July 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., and Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Mel Foster, 3211 E. 35th St. Court, Davenport, Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Mel Foster, 3218 E. 35th St. Court, Davenport (across the court from the real estate office), Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Carpetland USA, 4337 N. Brady St., Davenport, Mondays – Fridays, now through July 26, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays, July 20, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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