What is the United Way Backpack Project? 

Each year, the United Way of the Brown County area, with the support of our program sponsors and donors, provide a new backpack and school supplies to area students.  Over 60 volunteers assisted in collecting, inventorying, individually packing, and distributing backpacks to students in time for the start of the new school year. Last year, the United Way of the Brown County Area distributed over 600 backpacks to students across the county. 

Children in grades K-12 in Brown County who qualify for school educational benefits can participate in this program. United Way has teamed up with local school districts, the Koozie Group, Alliance Bank, area businesses, and places of worship to make this opportunity available to families in the Brown County area.

How does it work?

Each summer, schools in Brown County mail United Way Backpack Project information and applications to families who qualify for free educational benefits in grades K-12. Participating businesses and organizations then collect school supplies and backpacks to fill the large number of requests. Parents and children who qualify to receive a backpack and supplies are then invited to come and pick up their backpacks with most of the supplies they need to get off to a good start in school.

Important Backpack Distribution Information

                                     Backpacks will be distributed from 8:00 am -8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2026                                                   at the New Ulm Civic Center located at 1212 N Franklin St, New Ulm, MN 56073

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to deliver the backpacks to the schools on your behalf. Backpacks will NOT be delivered to schools if they are not picked up in person!  We have extended our distribution hours to ensure that families are able to pick up the filled backpacks in person. If needed, you may have a friend or a family member pick them up on your behalf.   If you are unable to make this date work, please reach out to the United Way of the Brown County Area at 507-354-6512 or admin@uwbrowncounty.org to make alternate arrangements.   

Thank you!