The pandemic, coupled with this winter’s frigid temperatures, have exacerbated needs across the region, and when it comes to children, schools are often the first line of defense in providing aid.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is doing its part to support schools in these efforts, delivering snow pants, coats, hats, mittens, socks, underwear, and menstrual products to schools across the Iron Range for children in need.
UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay called the delivery a shining example of the organization’s work, combining community partnerships, local donations, and UWNEMN programs to make an impact on its focus areas – in this case, “Helping Children Succeed.”
“We put a lot of planning and research in place to make long-term impacts in our region, but we also have a proven record of being able to make things happen quickly when necessary,” Shay said. “So, when our community sees a need, they know they can call us to get it met.”
UWNEMN had heard from school staff and others of an increasing demand for winter gear for students this winter. They reached out to all schools to determine how best to help.
“Our service area covers multiple communities, and we know each community is different, so we wanted to find out what was most needed where,” Shay said.
The needs were far-ranging and extended beyond hats and mittens, and while UWNEMN had some funding available for unexpected circumstances like these thanks to local donors - and socks and underwear through its Comforts of Home program - it was clear collaboration was needed to be able to properly assist every Iron Range school in need.
Remaining funding for snow pants, coats, hats, and mittens came from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and the Family Services Collaborative. Menstrual products were donated by Period Kits MN, an initiative with a mission to provide period kits to those in extreme poverty.
“After getting to know about all the amazing things [UWNEMN] does, we knew without a doubt we wanted to partner with [UWNEMN] and support the communities of northern Minnesota,” said Period Kits MN co-founder Brandon Biernat. “I believe [UWNEMN]’s efforts in distributing these supply packs are incredible, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to assist in reaching those in need.”
Gratitude was central to this week’s delivery, Shay noted.
“Our local schools are facing extraordinary challenges this school year, and we are so grateful for all the ways schools go above and beyond for our local children,” she said. “We are proud to support them any way we can, and we are incredibly grateful to IRRR, the Family Services Collaborative, and Period Kits MN for helping us do so in this way!”