United Way of Central Iowa and Sammons Financial Group Unite to Equip Students for Success

United Way of Central Iowa recently hosted its annual Backpack Builders initiative, a volunteer-led effort to provide essential school supplies to students across the region. With Sammons Financial Group as the lead sponsor and additional support from Delta Dental of Iowa, this year’s event will deliver 975 backpacks to local programs, helping students start the school year confident and prepared.

"At United Way of Central Iowa, we believe a strong foundation in education is key to a thriving community," said Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa. "When families face financial hardship, students often arrive at school without the supplies they need to succeed. Backpack Builders is one way we help remove those barriers and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and grow."

Volunteers gathered at Sammons Financial Group’s West Des Moines campus to pack backpacks with grade-appropriate supplies. In addition to sponsoring the initiative, Sammons Financial Group contributed 70 volunteers to support the effort.

"At Sammons Financial Group, we understand that what we do today shapes the future," said Elizabeth Zink, United Way Committee Co-Chair at Sammons Financial Group. "Together, we’re helping local students gain the tools and confidence they need to succeed, not just in school, but in life."

Across central Iowa, many families struggle to afford essentials like school supplies, creating added challenges as children begin the school year. At the same time, only 63% of third graders are proficient in reading, and 1 in 3 students are not ready for kindergarten, underscoring the importance of early support and access to resources.

Backpack Builders help close these gaps by ensuring students have what they need from day one. The initiative supports United Way of Central Iowa’s UNITED to THRIVE strategy, with a focus on Early Childhood Success and Education Success.