Aug. 7, 2017--United Way thanks the community for helping area children begin school with necessities through generous giving at this past weekend's supply drive.
Through the ninth annual United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive, shoppers donated 24,120 school supply items during Tax-Free Weekend at both St. Joseph Walmart stores. In addition, community members donated $3,200 to allow United Way to purchase additional needed supplies that were not donated.
The donated items will be distributed through The Salvation Army, a United Way Partner Agency. The Salvation Army Back to School Fair on August 11 will provide children with supplies they need but might not otherwise have at the start of the school year.
United Way President Kylee Strough said, "The community once again stuffed the bus many times over, and we couldn't be more grateful." She said extended thanks to Walmart, hundreds of volunteers, thousands of shoppers and donors, and STUFF THE BUS! presenting sponsor Mosaic Life Care and other sponsors for the event's success.
United Way STUFF THE BUS! is a project of United Way Volunteer Center that serves as a central resource for the community, individuals, and organizations for all volunteerism needs.
United Way is a non-profit agency that aims to improve lives through the caring power of community by focusing on education, health, and financial stability. United Way invites the community to LIVE UNITED by giving, advocating, and volunteering. United Way of Greater St. Joseph operates seven Initiatives/Programs, supports 17 local Partner Agencies. To learn more, follow the agency on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.