United Way STUFF THE BUS!

Thank you for helping United Way STUFF THE BUS!

United Way’s 16^th 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 18,962 school supply items during the drive. In addition, community members donated more than $1700 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated. Community members have donated more than 300,000 school supply items since United Way STUFF THE BUS! began in 2009.

The collected school supplies are currently being distributed through United Way. When students have the tools they need, they enter school better prepared to learn.

“The caring power of community was strongly visible during STUFF THE BUS! weekend! Community members generosity will reach hundreds of students in the area. The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to:

• ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students;
• provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community;
• 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 United Way at 816.364.2381.

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.