CASS COUNTY, MI – United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up to ensure that every child in Cass County has the tools they need to succeed for the upcoming school year as part of School Supply Spectacular. The annual event is back for another year to provide free backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students.
Though registration for the event is now closed and all school supply recipient spots are filled, the media is still invited to cover this event.
This year’s event will take place at four locations across Cass County:
- Wednesday, August 6, 11am-1pm in Dowagiac - Dowagiac Union High School
- Wednesday, August 6, 4-6pm in Edwardsburg - Edwardsburg Intermediate School
- Thursday, August 7, 11am-1pm in Marcellus - Marcellus High School
- Thursday, August 7, 4-6pm in Cassopolis - Brookside Learning Center
“This event started long ago with a focus on Cass County families starting the school year without the burden of worrying about the basics for their kids,” says event manager Morgan Jewell of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “850 students throughout the county will be smiling. It’s the best reason we do this work.”
To receive a backpack, children must be present at one of the event locations and be registered in advance. Over 850 backpacks will be given out over the four event locations in Cass County. Only those registered may receive school supplies. Registration for students is now closed.
Children receiving backpacks will also have the chance to win a "Golden Ticket," randomly stuffed inside ten select backpacks. Winners will receive additional back-to-school goodies with their Golden Ticket.
The Cass County School Supply Spectacular is made possible through the generous support of community partners, donors, and volunteers. This year’s sponsors include Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, St. Denys Foundation, and American Electric Power Foundation, with additional support from the Lyons Industries, Edward Lowe Foundation, Invenergy, and Midwest Energy & Communications. United Way series program & event sponsors include Silver Beach Pizza, Gast Manufacturing, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Whirlpool Corporation, and BluCat Consulting.
This event is organized by United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer United program, a free service that connects volunteers with opportunities and organizations with volunteers. Any individual can create an account at volunteer.uwsm.org, and fill out your profile to be matched with future opportunities and to organizations you are interested in. For organizations, you may post your volunteer opportunities to allow others to sign up quickly and easily.
Press is invited to please cover one of the four events as part of your beat. United Way staff will be on hand for interviews, and there will be plenty of opportunities to capture b-roll video. United Way staff can assist you in finding families or volunteers to speak with as well. If we can accommodate you in any way, please email zack.east@uwsm.org or call or text (269) 985-3011. Please note: coverage should reflect that is taking place or took place and does not contain a call-to-action for families to show up or sign up if they have not registered.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community's most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocacy, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org
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United Way of Southwest Michigan
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Zack East Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability
- August 04, 2025
- (269) 985-3011
- Send Email
