Greater Twin Cities United Way Launches Action Day, Back-to-School Volunteer and Giving Campaign

Thousands of Supporters to Rally in Support of Students and Families This Summer

MINNEAPOLIS (June 9, 2026) – Today Greater Twin Cities United Way (United Way) launches Action Day, a community-wide volunteer and giving campaign focused on ensuring local students have the school supplies they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. The campaign runs through August 14 and includes a large-scale, in-person volunteer event on Thursday, July 30 at Allianz Field.

Now in its eleventh year, Action Day brings together thousands of volunteers, donors and community partners – with the support of Minnesota’s professional sports teams – to assemble and distribute backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students across the Twin Cities region. This year’s campaign aims to support 55,000 K–12 students, helping to ease the financial burdens on families facing rising costs for basic needs, including school supplies.

“Since Action Day began in 2016, our donors and volunteers have helped fill a critical gap for nonprofits and families in the Twin Cities,” said John Wilgers, Greater Twin Cities United Way President & CEO. "This year, as many families are feeling an even greater squeeze on their household budgets, a backpack full of school supplies is one less expense for families to have to worry about.”

This year’s Action Day is presented by Target, hosted by Minnesota United FC, and supported by legacy sponsor Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

A SUMMER-LONG CALL TO ACTION

Action Day offers multiple ways for individuals, families and groups to get involved throughout the summer:

• Volunteer at home (June 9 - August 14): Families, friends and neighbors can purchase, assemble and donate school supply packs from home on a flexible schedule.
• Volunteer in person (July 30): Thousands of volunteers will gather at Allianz Field to assemble backpacks full of school supplies during the signature Action Day event.
• Donate: Financial contributions help provide backpacks and supplies to students most in need. All donations are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000, thanks to a generous matching gift from Comcast, through August 14.

Volunteer spots for the July 30 event fill quickly, but the at-home option allows supporters to participate all summer long.

Learn more, sign up to volunteer or donate at www.gtcuw.org/volunteer/action-day.

WHY ACTION DAY MATTERS

This year, nearly two in five K–12 students in the Greater Twin Cities will return to school without the supplies they need. Many of these students live in households experiencing financial hardship, where families are forced to choose between school supplies and basic necessities like food, housing or utilities.

The impact of Action Day is bigger than backpacks. When students arrive at school prepared, they’re more engaged in the classroom, have greater confidence and feel like they belong – all key factors in long-term academic and personal success.

“When you give a kid a backpack, you’re telling them that their community cares about them and wants them to succeed,” said Shannon Smith Jones, Senior Vice President of Community Impact at Greater Twin Cities United Way. “Every single Action Day backpack means a moment of joy and celebration for a family in our community – and that’s only possible because of the support of our Action Day partners and volunteers.”

Learn more and help support Action Day at www.gtcuw.org/volunteer/action-day.

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About Greater Twin Cities United Way
Greater Twin Cities United Way unites changemakers, advocates for social good, and develops solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone to create a community where all people thrive regardless of income, race or place. For more information, visit gtcuw.org and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.