Ready Set School Distribution

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kids with backpacks

Ready Set School Presented by Scheels

 Date: 2026 August 14 & 15
 Time: By Appointment
 Location: Johnson County Fairgrounds, Building A

 

 A collaborative event in partnership with United Way, The Salvation Army, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, Open Heartland, and Community Violence Intervention to help Kindergarten through 12th grade students prepare for school with school supplies, backpacks, dental and eye exams, vaccines, and haircuts.

 

 

2026 Registration COMING SOON

Our team is currently working hard to get everything organized before registration opens. For questions, more information, or to learn about other community resources, please contact Raine Messamaker at Raine.messamaker@unitedwayjwc.org.

We need your help to make this event a success!

As the school year comes to an end, we're turning our thoughts to what our community's students need to thrive. Join us for this collaborative School Supply Distribution and School Readiness Fair for Johnson and Washington County students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade. 

If you are interested in getting involved in Ready Set School for 2026, please reach out to Raine Messamaker at Raine.messamaker@unitedwayjwc.org. We would love to have your help!

This event is hosted in collaboration with The Salvation Army of Johnson County, Neighborhood Centers, Big Brother Big Sisters of Johnson County, Open Heartland, and Community Violence Intervention.
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      NCJC                 Open Heartland   CVI Logo

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Thank you for your support!

 Thank you to our school supply sponsors: 

  

 

 

Many hands make light work and it will take many hands to serve 2,000 students at our event on August 14th and 15th!

Please contact Wendy Nolan from United Way with questions or for more information regarding volunteering at this event:  wendy.nolan@unitedwayjwc.org.

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Please use the "Notes" section of the donation form to indicate the donation is for "Ready Set School".

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School Supply Drive

 

 

Host a supply drive within your workplace, church group, family, or amongst neighbors. We expect to serve over 1,800 students at Ready Set School and every donated item will make a difference for local students in need.

If you are interested in hosting a drive, please reach out to Emily Meister at emily.meister@unitedwayjwc.org to learn which supplies are most needed at this time. We will send you a poster to use with a list of the items your group will collect.

All supply donations must be collected and delivered by Thursday, August 7th, 2025. Donations can be dropped off at the United Way office at 160 Southgate Ave., Suite A, in Iowa City.