The Caring Tree was initiated in 1993. It was founded by the Minnesota Shopping Center Association as a statewide outreach project that allowed the community to help others when there is a significant strain on many family budgets.

The Caring Tree has been a collaborative effort between social service agencies, the community and The Caring Tree. Our year-round campaign collects financial contributions and new back-to-school supplies for K-12 low-income students throughout the state of Minnesota.

The number of participating social service agencies and children served through The Caring Tree continues to grow each year. To date, over 183,000 students have enjoyed a better start to their school year, thanks to The Caring Tree. The Caring Tree continues to focus on financial contributions in order to maximize efficiency for the agencies and to increase the amount of children served.

The Caring Tree's Mission: To promote educational success for Minnesota's K-12 students in-need by ensuring that they have the appropriate school supplies.

2010 Program Dates:  July 23 - August 9

Visit The Caring Tree website: www.caringtree.org