Essentia Health partners with United Way of Cass-Clay to deliver more than 23,000 additional school supplies to local schools

Essentia Health is stepping up to serve students and families in the Fargo-Moorhead area as the holiday season approaches. This week, Essentia Health delivered more than 23,000 additional school supplies to Moorhead, Fargo and West Fargo school districts in partnership with United Way of Cass-Clay. The delivery ensures that students who enroll throughout the school year have the tools they need to succeed.

New supplies include:

• 7,500 pencils
• 432 pencil pouches
• 360 pencil boxes
• 576 (each) crayon packs, colored pencil packs and erasers
• 2,400 (each) blue and black pens
• 2,700 red pens
• 720 highlighters
• 2,250 folders
• 1,080 (each) college and wide ruled spiral notebooks
• 360 composition notebooks

As student mobility continues to remain high in the metro area, many children enter school in October, November or later without essential supplies. Essentia Health contributed $6,000 to help close that gap and ensure schools are equipped to support every student — no matter when they arrive.

"We're grateful to partner with United Way to provide these additional supplies so that every student — no matter when they join a classroom — has the resources they need to learn and thrive," said Dr. Stefanie Gefroh, president of Essentia's West Market.

Earlier this year, Essentia was proud to support and sponsor the 27th annual United Way of Cass-Clay School Supply Drive, which supplied 6,500 area students with a backpack filled with school supplies. Recognizing the continued need for supplies, Essentia Health stepped forward once again to help fill the mid-year supply shortage.

"At Essentia Health, our mission is to make a healthy difference in people's lives, and that begins with ensuring children have what they need to succeed in school," said Dr. Gefroh.

One in four local families struggle to make ends meet, making access to basic school supplies a barrier for many students. 

"We believe every child deserves to walk into the classroom with confidence and the right tools," said Sandi Piatz, president and CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay. "Thanks to our partnership with Essentia Health, we're able to reach more students than ever and make sure those who arrive mid-year aren't left behind."

Media coverage: Check out media stories highlighting this partnership and initiative. 

•Prairie Public Radio: United Way and Essentia deliver thousands of school supplies
•KVRR: United Way, Essentia Team Up to Deliver More School Supplies
•KVLY: United Way, Essentia Health partner to provide school supplies for local students
•WDAY & InForum: Back-to-school support arrives for students entering mid-year