.png){kind=small}
The 2020 Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive collected supplies for 23 schools within the United Way of Southwest Minnesota service area. 52,075 supplies were distributed this year! Supplies collected will assist nearly 3,800 local K-12 students in southwest Minnesota. School staff ensures the supplies reach those who really need some extra support. Families in need of supplies should contact their school district directly regarding distribution dates/process, as this varies from district to district. Supplies arrived at respective schools on August 6th.
Shelby Otto, Community Engagement and Education Coordinator shared, “Stuff the Bus is the perfect example of communities coming together; we had collection containers and volunteers throughout our entire service area. This wouldn’t be possible without support from the communities we serve. The willingness to help amazes me every year.
As a former teacher, and a teacher returning to the classroom this fall, I’ve seen the impact that Stuff the Bus makes and I’m grateful to have been able to organize and implement it for the last two years. Thank you to everyone that helps with this initiative. Because of you, students are able to focus on what really matters at school, instead of worrying if they have the right supplies in their desks.”
This annual initiative would not be possible without generous support from the community. Many organizations, churches, businesses, and employee groups collected financial donations and supplies. Volunteers from all over the service area helped to count, sort, and distribute supplies. Partnerships with Marshall Radio and Vast Broadband helped with both advertising Stuff the Bus and coordinating an event to collect supplies.
If you took the time to drop a donation into one of the barrels or sent a monetary donation, we thank you! Every single glue stick or box of crayons will make an impact on a local child. Donations are accepted year round for this project and help United Way of Southwest Minnesota purchase necessary items in bulk at a low cost. Direct contributions (noted on the memo line for school supply purchase) can be sent to United Way of Southwest MN, P.O. Box 41, Marshall, MN 56258 or by visiting our website at UnitedWaySWMN.org.