“Let’s Stuff the Bus” was the charge sent out from United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley today as they kicked off their 4th Annual Stuff the Bus initiative.

Stuff the Bus engages communities in helping at-risk youth get the tools they need to learn and succeed in school. Last year 4,620 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to all Title One schools in Muscogee, Harris and Russell Counties. The same 33 schools will benefit this year, receiving filled backpacks for children K-2nd grade.

United Way announced key dates for Stuff the Bus and recognized company champions and sponsors of the program. On Saturday, July 15th from 10 am – 2 pm, there will be a community-wide collection day at Stars and Strikes, and Saturday, July 22nd at Peachtree Mall, where community members will be able to drop off school supplies.

Supplies will also be collected until Friday, July 21st at designated drop-off sites in the community, including Phenix City – Russell County Library, Stars and Strikes, and United Way.

“Our generous community has allowed us to continually have a successful Stuff the Bus,” said Scott Ferguson, President & CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “Over the past three years, we’ve filled close to 8,000 backpacks with school supplies and distributed them to kids in need all over the Chattahoochee Valley. With the number of backpacks increasing each year, we’re looking forward to helping even more children this year,” he added.