Help Us Get Kids Ready-to-Learn!

Even though this year’s school year may look different than in years past, each child deserves to start out the new school year with the supplies needed to succeed in school. Western Communities Action Network (WeCAN) will again host its Ready-to-Learn Program, which provides new backpacks and basic, grade-specific school supplies to families in need.

With your help WeCAN will make sure that every child starts the school year with the supplies he or she needs! Our annual collection of new school supplies for K-12 students is now underway. Items that are always in high demand include large sturdy backpacks, washable markers, colored pencils, Flair/felt tip markers, dry erase markers, red pens, #2 pencils, highlighters, wire-bound sketchbooks, earbuds and headphones, wide-lined notebooks, cleaning wipes, loose leaf paper and hand sanitizer.

WeCAN will be hosting an outdoor donation drop-off day on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at their office, 5213 Shoreline Drive in Mound. Donations can also be dropped off Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through August 13. Another way to help is to view our lists at Amazon and Target – shop online and have items delivered directly to WeCAN (5213 Shoreline Drive, Mound, MN 55364). Please indicate that it is a gift so we receive a receipt for you. Financial donations are always welcome and will allow us to fill in the gaps for needed supplies.

Collection boxes will also be located at Jubilee Foods, Westonka Early Learning Center (Hilltop School), Christ Lutheran Church (Maple Plain), the City of Minnetonka Beach, Good Shepherd Church, Lyndale Lutheran Church, Mount Calvary Church (Excelsior), Mount Olive Church, Our Lady of the Lake Church, River Valley Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church and St. Martin’s Church.

For families in need of help, school supplies will be distributed at the WeCAN office on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Appointments are required this year for curbside distribution.

Last year WeCAN provided over 250 children with the supplies they needed to be “Ready to Learn.” The Ready-to-Learn program would not be possible without the generosity of the community. You truly make a difference! If you have any questions, please contact WeCAN at 952-472-0742.