As teachers and students across North Texas prepare to head back to the classroom, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and our supporters recently came together for Stock the School, a highly impactful volunteer program that helps create a strong foundation for student and teacher success. The event directly supports our mission to improve access to education, income and health by ensuring every student has what they need to succeed. 

On Friday, August 1, more than 150 volunteers from across North Texas gathered to make a meaningful impact during Stock the School—which was powered by generous support from Bank of America, Contran, Mr. Cooper Group, Toyota and Vistra. These dedicated change-makers delivered essential classroom supplies, revamped learning environments and provided much-needed support to teachers and students alike. 

Stock the School is part of our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments, which is a key part of our year-long Centennial anniversary celebration presented by PepsiCo. Each summer, Stock the School unites the community to ensure our North Texas students and teachers walk into the classroom confident, empowered and prepared. The initiative directly supports our community-wide Aspire Unite 2030 goals, which are our North Star for driving progress through the year 2030. As part of those goals, we’re working to ensure every North Texas student graduates high school prepared for success in college or a career. 

Read on to learn more about Stock the School and how you can support student success right here in North Texas. 

Investing in Education and Empowering Our Future 

From organizing classrooms and refreshing décor to remodeling teacher workspaces and installing new equipment, each Stock the School project is thoughtfully designed to enhance the learning environment. This year, volunteers joined members of Dallas Trinity FC—plus the team’s wild mascot, Boots—to roll up their sleeves and make a meaningful impact at Clinton P. Russell Elementary School and West Dallas STEM School, ensuring every child will feel welcomed, confident and ready to learn. 

Meanwhile, our team at United Way delivered donated supplies and materials to three other West Dallas schools to get them prepped for the upcoming school year. Thanks to our generous supporters and partners, Stevens Park Elementary, Eladio R. Martinez Elementary and Arcadia Park Elementary have had the opportunity to improve teacher lounges and work rooms into comfortable, functional spaces that foster collaboration, relationship-building and professional growth.  

By equipping these areas with much-needed resources, Stock the School is not only enhancing the teaching experience but also providing educators with a dedicated space to recharge, connect, and prepare for success in the classroom. These schools are grateful for the investment in their teachers’ well-being and effectiveness. 

“At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe that when our community comes together to support students and teachers, we’re investing in a stronger, more vibrant future for North Texas,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Stock the School is more than a volunteer event—it’s a reflection of our shared commitment to empower every child to succeed in the classroom and beyond.” 

Why Supporting Local Education Matters 

Our annual Stock the School initiative is about more than school supplies—it’s about improving access to education, creating opportunity and ensuring every student has the tools they need to thrive. When students walk into a refreshed classroom filled with the supplies they need and the care of their community behind them, it sets the tone for a successful year. 

Chara Pace, the principal at Clinton P. Russell, says that Stock the School proves that the community cares about their teachers, students and campus. “It’s little things like this to show the teachers that they matter and that we care about their mental health,” she explained. “If we pour into the teachers, they’ll be able to pour into the students.”  

When our community comes together toward a common goal, like supporting local teachers and students, our entire region benefits. Consider this: Each year, teachers nationwide spend an average of $610 out of their own pockets on classroom essentials—everything from pencils and notebooks to lab supplies, snacks, and hygiene items. In under-resourced communities like West Dallas, that burden is even heavier. With limited school funding and many families facing financial hardship, teachers often step in to fill the gap and ensure students have what they need to thrive. 

But united, we can take a little of that burden off of our teachers. Stock the School aligns with our larger focus on improving access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. Because when students succeed in school, they’re more likely to succeed in life. 

In addition to our committed volunteers, our corporate partners helped make the day a success.  

“Back-to-school season is about having a fresh start to dream bigger,” said Kelly Ann Doherty, chief experience officer of Mr. Cooper Group. “As the returning presenting sponsor, we’re proud to once again invest in a community and its students for a new chance to succeed.” 

“Vistra is proud to stand with the United Way in supporting public education across North Texas,” said Brad Watson, senior director of community affairs for Vistra. “When students have the supplies they need, they walk into the classroom confident and prepared to learn—and that’s how we help set them up for success and build a stronger future for our community.” 

Join Us in Supporting Local Students and Teachers 

Stock the School may be a wrap, but you can still help equip students and teachers for success this upcoming school year! Students in North Texas are in need of essential supplies, and your generosity can make a big difference in ensuring they begin the new school year feeling confident and prepared.  

Browse our Amazon Wish List to purchase items that will go directly to local schools, including pens and pencils, paper clips, scissors and glue. Every donation—big or small—helps create a brighter future for our students.  

You can shop from our Wish List any time. Contribute to the supply drive today!