United Way of the Midlands hosts 4th annual ‘Ready, Set, Supply!’ drive to support local teachers
June 23, 2025
United Way of the Midlands is launching their 4th annual ‘Ready, Set, Supply!’ initiative, a drive aimed at stocking the classrooms of elementary school educators throughout the Midlands.
This summer, United Way is challenging the community to come together to support the dedicated educators who play a vital role in shaping our children’s future. By providing teachers with the tools and resources they need, this initiative aims to create a more supportive learning environment and enhance educational opportunities for children in the community.
The ‘Ready, Set, Supply!’ drive focuses on schools served by United Way’s Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC), their education initiative committed to fostering a love of learning in both literacy and STEM. The initiative will provide classroom supply kits to teachers at 11 MRC partner schools across Richland, Lexington, Fairfield, Newberry, and Orangeburg counties. “The generosity of our Midlands community continues to amaze us,” said Laura Gould.
Several local businesses are participating in the initiative by hosting workplace supply drives, including Elliott Davis, F&ME Consultants, Inc., and the SC Department of Commerce.
Anyone interested in supporting this initiative can do so by purchasing & donating items requested by teachers from the supply wish list below. United Way is also accepting monetary donations on their website, www.uway.org/readysetsupply, to purchase additional supplies.
- Ticonderoga #2 Pencils (24-pack)
- Crayola Crayons (24-count)
- Elmer’s Glue Sticks
- Wide-RuledComposition Notebooks (no spirals)
- Loose-Leaf Wide-Ruled Filler Paper (100-pack)
- EXPO Markers (Low Odor, Thin/Fine Tip – 4-pack)
- Clorox Wipes (Bleach-Free)
- Hand Sanitizer (8 oz)
- Kleenex Facial Tissues
- Crayola Colored Pencils (12-pack)
- Crayola Washable Markers (8-pack, thin & regular)
Collected supplies can be dropped off to United Way of the Midlands (1818 Blanding St, Columbia, SC) between July 14–18, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please deliver items in banker boxes or printer paper boxes, clearly labeled with your name/company name and “School Supply Donation.” Smaller boxes and labels make it easier for United Way staff and volunteers to sort donations and transport supplies to the schools.
