{"id":127258,"date":"2025-07-29T12:58:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T16:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=127258"},"modified":"2025-11-08T21:34:03","modified_gmt":"2025-11-09T02:34:03","slug":"sauder-manufacturing-sews-backpacks-for-united-ways-kindergarten-countdown-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2025\/07\/29\/sauder-manufacturing-sews-backpacks-for-united-ways-kindergarten-countdown-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Sauder Manufacturing sews backpacks for United Way’s Kindergarten Countdown Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Nearly 120 incoming kindergarteners received a head start thanks to United Way of Allen County\u2019s Kindergarten Countdown.<\/p>\n

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United Way of Allen County news release:<\/p>\n

Sauder Manufacturing Sews Backpacks for Students in United Way of Allen County\u2019s Kindergarten Countdown Program<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fort Wayne, Indiana (July 30, 2025) \u2013 This summer, nearly 120 incoming kindergarteners received a head start thanks to United Way of Allen County\u2019s Kindergarten Countdown, a four-week program providing high-quality instruction with a focus on developing essential academic and social skills fundamental to a child\u2019s ability to learn. Specifically designed for children with little or no pre-K experience and those who may be at risk of starting behind their peers.<\/p>\n

Every year United Way works with local companies to donate backpacks and school supplies for each student in the program. This year Sauder Manufacturing took donating backpacks to the next level by providing custom-made backpacks designed and sewn by their talented team during a seasonal production slowdown. Using reclaimed fabric, Sauder created high-quality backpacks tailored specifically for these young learners.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we have such talented sewers on staff, this was a great opportunity to put their skills to use for a meaningful cause,\u201d said Denise Reeb, HR Generalist at Sauder Manufacturing. \u201cWe\u2019re proud to support United Way and invest in our community\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n

These backpacks\u2014filled with essential school supplies\u2014play a crucial role in helping families prepare their children for the transition to kindergarten. \u201cWith the rising cost of school supplies, this generous donation helps remove a financial barrier for many families,\u201d said Ruthie Hall, United Way\u2019s Director of Community Impact. \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly grateful to Sauder and the 11 other companies that donated nearly 350 backpacks to support this program and many other students in need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kindergarten Countdown, now in its 12th year, provides hands-on learning experiences, a field trip to Eagle Marsh, and classroom instruction at six elementary schools in Fort Wayne Community Schools and East Allen County Schools. This year we were able to add in a yoga class where they received a free yoga mat and partnered with Dance Collective.<\/p>\n

The program runs from July 7\u201331 and equips children with foundational skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional development\u2014helping ensure they are ready to succeed on day one of kindergarten. The following are a list of schools in each district that have a Kindergarten Countdown program this summer:<\/p>\n

East Allen County Schools<\/strong>:\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n