'Stuff the Bus' raises $6,760 in supplies for schools
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 22, 2012 1:46 PM
More than $6,500 worth of school supplies were collected last week during a "Stuff the Bus" campaign sponsored by Communities in School.
On Friday, a large yellow school bus parked in the News-Argus parking lot was the drop-off point. Area residents brought in bags and boxes, as well as monetary donations for the cause.
Selena Bennett, executive director, spent the bulk of Tuesday aided by volunteers who helped inventory items generated from the effort.
"We worked all day sorting, counting and packaging school supplies from Stuff the Bus," she said. "According to my final figures, we collected $6,760 worth of school supplies. We also collected $1,000 that was given to me in one check. Georgia (Gurley, of the News-Argus) received some checks that she was going to complete her shopping with.
"And I still have people calling and bringing in both donations of money and supplies."
Mrs. Bennett said she has also been contacted by churches interested in continuing the effort in other ways.
"I am willing to go out and speak to these groups, to train them to be volunteers/mentors, or to offer other ways that they can be of help," she said. "People can continue to help by contacting me about donating supplies, or about monetary donations."
The "Stuff the Bus" idea was introduced several years ago. At the outset, bins were set up at several local businesses. This is the third year it was held at the News-Argus.
Materials collected will be distributed among all schools next week, Mrs. Bennett said.
"The school social workers and school counselors identify those families who need assistance from the beginning of the year."