UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Aug. 28, 2026) — From July 8 to Aug. 8, the Connecticut Sun hosted its fourth annual Supplies for Success Drive, a month-long initiative that brought fans together to help fill 500 backpacks for local students, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful start to the school year.

Fans contributed to the drive in person at select home games, including July 8 against the Minnesota Lynx, July 10 against the Golden State Valkyries, July 14 against the Portland Fire and Aug. 7 against the Phoenix Mercury. Donations were also accepted through the Sun’s Amazing Wish List.

“Our Supplies for Success Drive and backpack donation is more than just notebooks and pencils,” said Jenna Whelan, the Sun’s Manager of Youth Development. “It’s about ensuring that every student has the tools they need to start the school year with confidence and the opportunity to succeed. When our community comes together to support local students, we’re investing in their future and helping to create a stronger community for everyone. We are so grateful to everyone who joins us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of students across Connecticut.”

The drive, which will directly support students in need throughout the New London area, collected more than 35,000 school supplies, including:

1,450 folders

620 binders

610 loose-leaf paper packs

3,300 divider tabs

610 pencil cases/pouches

560 pencil sharpeners

640 calculators

4,500 erasers

950 composition books

1,200 spiral notebooks

10,000 pencils (mechanical and standard)

6,000 pens (gel, mechanical, erasable and standard)

850 crayons

940 colored pencils (full-size and mini)

440 markers

480 scissors

500 hand sanitizers

2,000 mini-Kleenex packs

1,700 highlighters

230 glue sticks

The 500 backpacks were distributed through community events and nonprofit partners, including St. Vincent De Paul Place, the Greater Hartford Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Waterbury Bridge to Success, Her Time to Shine/Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center (Boston), The Girls Locker Room and The Salvation Army.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.

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