Stuff the Bus

Stuff the Bus July 18 and July 19 with school supplies

Many children look forward to arriving on the first day of school with new notebooks, backpacks and pencil boxes, but it’s a different story for children whose families can’t afford these items. On July 18 and 19, United Way of Fort Smith Area is asking you to help them stuff a bus full of supplies to be donated to at-risk children in the six-county area it serves. Donations of new school supplies will be accepted at area Wal-Mart stores and other locations. Look for the school bus.

Volunteers will be staffing the buses to assist patrons who wish to donate supplies. A complete list of suggested items can be picked up at the each site. If everyone could pick up some of the items listed on the school supply list on their way to the checkout and drop it by the bus, it would make a huge difference to kids in need when classes begin. Let’s work together and be a difference maker!

In 2013, more than 38,000 packages of new school supplies were collected. The donated items were given to local school districts and partner agencies. Not only do the donated supplies help children with their studies, having a new backpack or notebook can really help raise a child's self-esteem. Feeling good about themselves and having the tools they need to complete their schoolwork really helps children get off on the right foot as they start a new school year.

A school bus will be located at Alma, Booneville, Fort Smith (3), Greenwood, Ozark, Paris, Poteau, Van Buren and Sallisaw Wal-Mart locations on July 18 from 9am to 9pm and July 19 from 9am to 1pm.