BROWNSTOWN — With the upcoming school year on the horizon, the Jackson County United Way has officially opened registration for its annual “Rock’n Ready” program, a countywide initiative that provides free backpacks and essential school supplies to families in need.
The program serves students enrolled across all four of Jackson County’s public school corporations, ensuring children are fully equipped for their education regardless of their financial circumstances.
Last year, the grassroots initiative distributed fully-stocked backpacks to more than 1,500 local students. Organizers hope to match or exceed that reach this summer as economic pressures and inflation continue to strain household budgets.
According to cost evaluations by the United Way, the program saves families an estimated $25 to $30 per child in basic supply costs. By covering the baseline classroom essentials, the program allows parents to redirect their limited financial resources toward other mandatory back-to-school expenses, such as new clothing, shoes, and required school fees.
“Back-to-school shopping can place a significant financial burden on families, especially those with multiple children,” organizers noted. “Our goal is to alleviate that stress early, boosting student confidence on day one and ensuring every child in Jackson County enters the classroom on equal footing.”
The free supplies are available to families with children entering kindergarten through 12th grade.
The deadline to request assistance is strictly set for Tuesday, June 30th. Parents and legal guardians must complete a registration form to secure supplies for their children ahead of the scheduled late-summer distribution events.
For additional information on distribution dates, eligibility requirements, or to sign up a student, families can visit the Jackson County United Way’s dedicated portal online at www.jacsy.org/rocknready.
Community members looking to support the initiative can also utilize the same link to sign up for volunteer shifts or to make financial donations toward purchasing bulk supplies.
