According to 2025 data from the NC Department of Public Instruction, all three public school districts in Catawba County (Catawba County, Hickory City and Newton-Conover school districts) have more than 50% of their students classified as economically disadvantaged.
This means the start of a new school year adds greater stress to many local families already struggling financially.
Because of this, the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) hosts its annual School Supply Drive to help teachers and families meet the needs of local students. Last year nearly 12,000 items were collected by 30 community partners.
“It’s hard when you only have $1,200 a month and rent is $750 a month and basically you have to make ends meet the best way you can,” Donna said when she stopped by the Catawba County United Way office to pick up school supplies for her sister’s children. “They do pretty good until school starts and then they struggle getting clothes, which have gotten outrageous, so she just needed a little bit of help.”
Read more about last year's efforts at THIS LINK.
Make a Donation
Drop off donations at the United Way's office - 2760 Tate Blvd. in Hickory, or any other public collection site.
Monetary donations can also be mailed to the Catawba County United Way – P.O. Box 2425, Hickory, NC 28603 and make sure to mention the School Supply Drive. You can make a donation online through the form below.
Become a Collection Site: contact John Bailey at the United Way - 828-327-6851 or email jbailey@ccunitedway.com.
What Students Need
Classroom supplies: 3-ring binders, backpacks, spiral notebooks, graph paper, pens, pencils, glue sticks, erasers, folders, crayons, colored pencils, ear buds/headphones, markers, scissors, pencil boxes, dry erase markers, composition books, 3x5 index cards.
Personal hygiene products: Kleenex, cleaning wipes, hand sanitizer, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products.
Items collected will be available through school social workers or other school personnel.
2025 School Supply Drive Photos
