United Way of Allen County Teams Up with Cummins to Provide 450 Backpacks for the Tools for School Program

FORT WAYNE, IN (July 30, 2026) – United Way of Allen County is partnering with Cummins and The Salvation Army to provide 450 backpacks filled with school supplies for The Salvation Army’s annual Tools for School program.

The project is part of the national partnership between United Way Worldwide and Cummins. Each year, Cummins employees volunteer their time through projects that support local United Ways. This year, employees selected a backpack-stuffing project to help ensure local students have the supplies they need for a successful start to the school year.

“We are grateful for this ongoing partnership with Cummins and United Way, which allows us to provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students who need them most,” said Angela Stout, Cummins employee and local event organizer.

United Way of Allen County is committed to creating lasting change for individuals and families who are working hard but still struggle to afford basic necessities. These are ALICE households—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—families who earn above the Federal Poverty Level but do not earn enough to cover the cost of essentials. In Allen County, nearly 40% of households fall into the ALICE or poverty category.

“With the rising cost of school supplies, this generous donation helps remove a financial barrier for many families in our community,” said Ruthie Hall, Director of Community Impact at United Way of Allen County. “Every child deserves to start the school year prepared to learn, and partnerships like this help make that possible.”

“This collaboration between United Way and Cummins is a tremendous boost to our Tools for School campaign,” said Captain Dena Smith, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army. “We’re grateful for their partnership and excited to work together to help local students start the school year strong.”

MEDIA INVITATION

Members of the media are invited to attend a photo and interview opportunity on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army, 2901 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

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About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we will boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.