United Way Stuff the Bus Kick Off

Staff Report From Columbus CEO

Monday, June 20th, 2016

United Way held its kick off Thursday morning for Stuff the Bus, a school supply drive benefitting local children in need, and recognized company champions and sponsors of the program. Companies will serve as collection sites for supplies and the sponsors will support the program through donations. Approximately sixty company champions and sponsors attended the event.

Stuff the Bus engages communities in helping at-risk youth get the tools they need to learn and succeed in school. Last year, the program accumulated 2,277 backpacks stuffed with school supplies, which were distributed to 19 schools. United Way revealed this year’s goal to distribute 4,000 backpacks to 23 Title I schools in Muscogee County and 10 other under achieving schools in the area before the beginning of the school year. United Way announced key dates of Stuff the Bus. On Saturday, July 16th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, there will be a community wide collection day at Columbus Public Library, where community members will be able to drop off school supplies. From Monday, July 25th – Friday, July 29th, volunteers will work in two-hour shifts throughout the day to sort supplies and fill backpacks. Those interested in volunteering that week can sign up on the Volunteer Center website, volunteer.unitedwayofthecv.org. Supplies will be collected from the public until July 18th at designated drop-off sites in the community.

Pam Simpson, principal of Ladonia Elementary School in Phenix City, told the story of three students living with their aunt, who was struggling to take care of them. The aunt reached out to the school, which was able to give the children backpacks full of school supplies from Stuff the Bus. Simpson noted the impact Stuff the Bus has had on students. “Just having different backpacks, so they can come in and pick one that they like, it just puts such a big smile on their face and gives them the confidence that they need to walk into class and do the best that they can.”

Aretha McDonald, principal of Meadowlane Elementary School in Phenix City, thanked those responsible for the success of Stuff the Bus. “On behalf of the Phenix City superintendent, Mr. Randy Wilkes, Meadowlane, Westview, and Phenix City Elementary Schools, we are very excited to receive the new school supplies for our scholars (students),” said McDonald. “We would like to thank United Way and all of the sponsors for donating school supplies every academic year. Our scholars (students) are always very excited and eager to start school because they know they will have new supplies awaiting them on the first day of school. Thanks to United Way for ensuring our scholars have what they need to be successful during the academic school year!”

Scott Ferguson, President and CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, concluded the kick off by noting the impact of Stuff the Bus. “Know that we are collectively changing lives and that’s what United Way is all about,” said Ferguson. “We did all this together with 29 companies and our sponsors. We will be successful.”