United Way’s 18th Annual STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive presented by Mosaic Life Care was successful thanks to community support. Community members from St. Joseph and the surrounding area donated more than 27,000 school supply items during the drive. In addition, community members donated more than $2,300 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated. Community members have donated more than 331,000 school supply items since United Way STUFF THE BUS! began in 2009.
The collected school supplies will be distributed through United Way Partner Agencies and Programs including The Salvation Army. When students have the tools they need, they enter school better prepared to learn.
“We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbors care about neighbors…this weekend’s effort saw volunteers and donors of all ages sharing their time and donating supplies. The caring power of community is strong in St. Joseph!
The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to:
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ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students;
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provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community;
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and provide a meaningful volunteer activity for all ages.
We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mosaic Life Care for sponsoring the event, Walmart, First Student bus company, the volunteers, and the hundreds of shoppers & donors who made the effort a success, as well as the many companies who hosted supply drives for their employees. Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom” said United Way President, Kylee Strough.
Families who may need assistance with school supplies collected from this year’s United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive are encouraged to call The Salvation Army at 816.232.5824 to learn more about their school supply distribution which will take place on August 13, 2026.
United Way STUFF THE BUS! School Supplies Drive is a project of the United Way Volunteer Center. The goal of the United Way Volunteer Center is to serve as a central resource for the community, individuals, and organizations for all volunteerism needs.