Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive Benefits Local Students

The 2021 Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive collected supplies for 23 schools within the United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) service area. 56,263 supplies were distributed this year! Supplies collected will assist nearly 3,500 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 5th. 

Sarah Kicmal, UWSWMN President & CEO shared, “I’m reminded of the saying how it’s the little things that count.  Like a kindergartener receiving a fresh box of crayons to color with or a middle school student having a quality pair of headphones to use.  Something as little as a box of crayons can inspire a young student to be creative and excited for school.”

This annual initiative would not be possible without generous support from our communities. Many organizations, churches, businesses, and employee groups collected financial donations and supplies.  Volunteers including kids and teenagers from across our service area helped to count, sort, and distribute supplies. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, for supporting Stuff the Bus this year. 

 Donations are accepted year round for this project and help UWSWMN 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.