The backpacks, notebooks, clothes, calculators, and everything else on the school supply list. The Easiest Way To Help A Local Student Near Rochester, MinnesotaMaking a difference for a child near Rochester only takes a few minutes. Credit: United Way of Southeast Minnesota Credit: United Way of Southeast MinnesotaSTEP TWO: Volunteers pack and organize every backpack for all 4,000+ students who are in need in our area. Before those volunteers can deliver the backpacks with all of the school supplies, someone first has to buy one. If your family could use help with school supplies, please reach out to your child's school directly.