Koozie Group (asi/40480) is using writing instruments to help ink a new charitable initiative.

The Clearwater, FL-based Top 40 promotional products supplier will donate 5% of writing instrument sales to regional chapters of the United Way in Florida and Minnesota. Called the Write On! campaign, the effort kicks off July 1. Distributors will need to reference code WIUN2022 when placing their orders.

United Way, a nonprofit that works to improve the health, education and financial stability of people through the U.S. and in 41 countries and territories, will use the money to help fund back-to-school purchasing for people in need, as well as other do-gooding efforts related to education and beyond.

Some studies show that back-to-school expenses are a significant burden for many households. One survey found that as many as one in three parents of school-age children expect to go into debt when shopping for back-to-school. That percentage has consistently risen in recent years, from 26% in 2019 to 30% in 2020 and 33% in 2021.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Koozie Group,” said Sarah Lindner, community relations and philanthropy director at United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha & Pierce Counties in Minnesota. “The generous donation from the Write On! campaign will make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.”

Koozie Group is undertaking the charitable campaign as part of its “Keep it. Give it.” program – a company-wide initiative aimed at increasing positive social impact and environmental sustainability. Launched in late 2020, the program made progress through 2021.

United Way made a good partner for Write On! as Koozie Group already had strong connections with local chapters of the nonprofit, with the company participating in United Way events like back-to-school backpack stuffing, executives said.

“Given our partnership with the BIC brand and our longstanding leadership in promotional writing instruments, donating a portion of our sales from this category to an organization so strongly tied to education was an easy choice,” said Christina Jackson, Koozie Group senior marketing manager.

With reported 2020 North American promo products revenue of $255 million, Koozie Group ranked seventh on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. Counselor’s 2022 Top 40 list will be revealed this July.