Minnesota Printers Turn Surplus Paper Into Classroom Resources

Printing Industry Midwest’s 48th Annual Paper Drive Draws 375 Educators

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — September 23, 2026 – More than 375 teachers traveled from across Minnesota and beyond on Saturday, September 19, to take part in Printing Industry Midwest’s (PIM), the not-for-profit trade association representing the Midwest’s leading print service providers, 48th Annual Paper Drive, turning surplus paper from local printers and suppliers into valuable classroom resources.

Hosted with the generous support of Lindenmeyr Munroe, the annual event provides educators with free paper and other materials donated by PIM member companies. This year’s donations included white copy paper, colored stock, foam core, envelopes, butt rolls, specialty substrates, and more—helping teachers stretch limited classroom supply budgets.

The demand was evident long before the doors opened. Teachers began arriving as early as 6:30 AM, more than two hours ahead of the event, with some traveling more than four hours to attend. Once inside, educators and their helpers quickly began filling bags, carts, wagons, dollies, and trailers with materials for their classrooms. Within the first hour, the majority of the donated paper had already been claimed.

“For forty-eight years, Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) members have shown what can happen when an industry comes together to support educators,” said Kristin Pilling-Davis, Executive Director of PIM. “Seeing teachers arrive from near and far and watching the excitement as they find materials they can bring back to their students. It is incredibly rewarding!! These donations make a real difference in classrooms where every supply dollar matters.”

For many educators, classroom supply budgets are extremely limited, with some reporting budgets of less than $1 per student and others saying their budgets had already been exhausted. PIM’s Paper Drive gives teachers access to materials they might otherwise have to purchase out of pocket or go without.

The event also showcased the community effort behind the Paper Drive. Teachers brought spouses, friends, and family members to help transport their supplies, while volunteers worked throughout the event to assist educators and keep materials moving.

PIM’s Paper Drive would not be possible without the continued partnership of Lindenmeyr Munroe, which hosted and staffed the event for the fifth consecutive year. The Lindenmeyr team worked late the evening before and arrived early Saturday morning to prepare the facility, assist teachers throughout the event, and remain afterward for cleanup.

“Lindenmeyr Munroe is an incredible partner,” said Pilling-Davis. “Their team gives so much time and energy to this event, and their commitment is a huge part of what makes the Paper Drive possible.”

All materials distributed at the event were donated by PIM members who took the time to identify obsolete, overstocked, or surplus paper and supplies in their inventories and put them to work in classrooms instead.

PIM extends its sincere thanks to the following organizations for their generous donations and continued support of Minnesota educators: Anchor, Art Educators of Minnesota, Domtar, Holmberg, Honsa Binder, Japs Olson, Lindenmeyr Munroe, Mackay Mitchell, Modernistic, Nahan, Neenah Paper, Pioneer Paper Stock, RR Donnelley, Taylor Corporation, and Wallace Carlson.

For nearly five decades, PIM’s Paper Drive has connected the printing industry with educators, giving surplus materials a second life while helping teachers provide meaningful learning experiences for their students. PIM hopes to continue this meaningful tradition in 2027 and beyond. Educators are encouraged to monitor www.pimw.org/paper-drive/ for updates on next year’s event. Printers and industry partners are also urged to begin setting aside surplus materials now in preparation for next year’s drive.

ABOUT PIM

Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) is a not-for-profit trade association representing the Midwest’s leading print service organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Our mission is to be the leading resource to enhance the insights, strength and profitability of the printing, graphic communications and related industries through advocacy, education, safety, and environmental information. More information about membership can be found at www.pimw.org/benefits/.

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