TopLine Financial Credit Union just wrapped up their 23rd—yes, 23rd—annual school supply drive, and the results are pretty impressive.
The Twin Cities-based credit union rallied its members and employees to donate everything from notebooks and pencils to backpacks and binders. The goal? Making sure local kids start the school year with what they need, regardless of what’s in their family’s bank account.
More Than Just Pencils and Paper
TopLine partnered with three local nonprofits to get supplies where they’re needed most: Avenues for Youth, Keystone Community Services, and YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services. By the time the drive wrapped up, they’d collected over 500 school supply items plus $1,130 in cash donations.
The credit union made participating easy—almost genius, really. Employees could donate supplies or cash in exchange for a “Foundation Friday/Saturday” sticker that let them wear jeans to work. (Never underestimate the motivating power of comfortable pants.) Members could shop from Amazon or Target wishlists and have items shipped directly to TopLine, who handled delivery to the partner organizations.
Why This Matters
“Thank you to our amazing members and employees for their generosity during our 23rd annual school supply drive,” said Mick Olson, TopLine’s President and CEO. “By collecting and donating school supplies, we’re proud to support our local communities and help ease the burden for families, along with partnering with non-profits who ensure these resources reach the students and families who need them most.”
The need is real. Consider that Minnesota has over 6,000 homeless youth every single night. That’s where partners like Avenues for Youth come in—they provide emergency shelter, short-term housing, and supportive services for homeless youth in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis, helping more than 300 young people find safety and support.
The Partners Making It Happen
Avenues for Youth creates safe, nurturing environments for homeless youth who need emergency shelter and housing support. Learn more at www.avenuesforyouth.org.
Keystone Community Services is a St. Paul-based volunteer organization strengthening the lives of thousands of low-income individuals and families across the East Metro Area. Their mission focuses on helping people improve their own quality of life. Visit www.keystoneservices.org for details.
YMCA of the North Youth and Family Services works to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Check out their work at ymcanorth.org/youthandfamilyservices.
Twenty-three years of consistent community support doesn’t happen by accident. It takes commitment, partnership, and people who actually care about their neighbors. This back-to-school season just got a whole lot better for hundreds of local students—and that’s worth celebrating.