Walmart and United Way team up to restock Elyria classrooms

The Classroom Restock Project provided essential supplies to public school teachers in Elyria, Ohio.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:14pm

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid pattern of school supplies like pencils, highlighters, and dry-erase markers, conceptually representing a community-driven initiative to provide essential classroom resources.A community-driven effort to restock Elyria classrooms with essential supplies reflects the power of local partnerships to support public education.Elyria Today

The United Way of Greater Lorain County partnered with the Elyria Walmart store to complete a Classroom Restock Project on April 10, providing essential classroom supplies like Clorox wipes, paper towels, tissues, highlighters, pencils, pens, and dry-erase markers to public school teachers in Elyria. A team of 13 Walmart associates volunteered to assemble the classroom restock kits for distribution throughout the Elyria City Schools district.

Why it matters

The project aimed to address a common mid-year gap in classroom supplies, as donations often focus on the start of the school year. By stepping in during the spring, the United Way and Walmart helped ensure Elyria teachers could stay focused on learning rather than having to use their own money to restock their classrooms.

The details

The idea for the Classroom Restock Project came from United Way of Greater Lorain County's Donor and Volunteer Engagement Manager Kelsey Jones, who identified the need for additional support midway through the school year. After connecting with Elyria Walmart leadership, the store quickly agreed to donate the necessary supplies and have associates volunteer to assemble the kits.

  • The Classroom Restock Project was completed on April 10, 2026.
  • The next 'Cocktail Hour for a Cause: On Wednesdays We Pack Pink' volunteer event is scheduled for April 29, 2026.

The players

United Way of Greater Lorain County

A non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteers and resources to support community initiatives in Lorain County, Ohio.

Elyria Walmart

A Walmart retail store located in Elyria, Ohio that donated supplies and volunteer support for the Classroom Restock Project.

Kelsey Jones

The Donor and Volunteer Engagement Manager at United Way of Greater Lorain County who conceived the idea for the Classroom Restock Project.

Kim Grip

An employee at the Elyria Walmart store who helped coordinate the company's involvement in the Classroom Restock Project.

Elyria City Schools

The public school district in Elyria, Ohio that received the classroom supply kits assembled through the Classroom Restock Project.

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What they’re saying

“Our community does an incredible job making sure students begin the school year with what they need. But by winter and spring, many of those supplies are gone. Teachers often step in with their own money to fill the gap. So this project was about showing up now when support is needed most and making sure classrooms can stay focused on learning.”

— Kelsey Jones, Donor and Volunteer Engagement Manager, United Way of Greater Lorain County

“A lot of people don't always see the partnerships happening behind the scenes to strengthen our community. I'm proud to work for a company that encourages us and our associates to get involved locally and make a difference for educators and students right here in Elyria.”

— Kim Grip, Elyria Walmart employee

What’s next

Community members interested in getting involved can participate in the next 'Cocktail Hour for a Cause: On Wednesdays We Pack Pink' event on April 29 at the Stephen J. Ross Volunteer Engagement Hub, where they will help assemble period product kits for local distribution.

The takeaway

This partnership between the United Way and Walmart demonstrates the power of community collaboration to address critical needs and support local educators, ensuring Elyria students have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.