United Way of Greenville County rallies community to support students with School Tools
July 19, 2026
For thousands of Greenville County students, the first day of school can bring more anxiety than excitement when families struggle to afford the supplies required for the classroom. Through its annual School Tools initiative, United Way of Greenville County is asking the community to help change that.
United Way’s School Tools, set for Saturday, Aug. 1, at Carolina High School, aims to provide new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies and the confidence to start the school year ready to learn for 3,000 students.
New this year, School Tools includes a back-to-school carnival, weather permitting. Families can head to the football field at Carolina High School following backpack distribution to enjoy pizza, Kona Ice, face painting, games, activities and giveaways together.
More than half of all students served by Greenville County Schools are economically disadvantaged. For families already stretched thin by the rising costs of housing, utilities and groceries, back-to-school shopping creates an additional financial burden. According to the National Retail Federation, families with K-12 students spend an average of $144 per child on basic school supplies alone, not including clothing, calculators and other modern classroom necessities.
United Way is currently asking individuals, families, businesses and other community organizations to help meet the goal of serving 3,000 students this school year.
Community members can support School Tools by:
- Donating new backpacks filled with school supplies.
- Contributing individual school supply items.
- Making a financial donation to support the purchase of needed supplies.
- Volunteering to sort, pack and distribute supplies during School Tools week.
A complete list of grade-specific supply needs is available at unitedwaygc.org/school-tools.
Corporate partners interested in organizing a backpack sorting and stuffing event, hosting a workplace supply drive, or becoming a sponsor should contact Kelsey Camarena, vice president of corporate engagement at [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels.
