United Way looking for ‘Stuff the Bus’ donations
TEXARKANA — The “Stuff the Bus” program through the local United Way office is gearing up for another year, and the organization is looking for contributions from local community members and businesses to fulfill the program’s mission.
Stuff the Bus has furnished supplies to students in and around the Texarkana for years. For the 2020-2021 school year, the program distributed more than 1,865 backpacks (a record amount, according to officials) filled with supplies to area schools and donated supplies to some partnering agencies.
“Children that start off their school year lacking the supplies they need may face an unnecessary stigma and feel anxiety; therefore having the tools needed for a successful year is critical to get these children off to a good start,” President Mark Bledsoe said. “The Stuff the Bus program has been able to reach over 15,400 students in 15 different school districts in four counties since its beginning 12 years ago. One hundred percent of the funds raised goes back into this program.” Over the years, United Way of Greater Texarkana has asked several businesses to allow collection boxes to be placed in their location to assist with the collection of donated supplies. They have also received line items from organizations, businesses and individuals to aid in filling the backpacks. This year, the STB committee will be asking for monetary donations in lieu of supplies. These donations will be used to purchase supplies and backpacks in bulk which gives the program the buying power necessary to accommodate more students. Bledsoe said this is a much more efficient process in finding the right items in the right quantity. “Having to deal with COVID-19 protocol last year made us change in how we packed out the back packs,” he said. “This actually helped us streamline the process to serve more children at a reduced price. We were able to serve more children by buying in bulk than when we were piecing together which items were lacking and purchasing them separately. It was more efficient than trying to sort what could and what couldn’t be used.
“Before getting into this, I didn’t realize all the different varieties of school supplies and the differences in which age group could use what. Buying in bulk has simplified the entire process and alleviated waste.” The 2021-2022 school year will begin earlier this fall for several school districts, and the STB program has adjusted accordingly. “We are hoping to reach 15-plus school districts over the region and pack 1,900 backpacks fully stocked with the supplies needed to start the school year,” Bledsoe said. “We will spend just a little over $21,000. “We have an amazing support system in our area and are truly grateful for the help to make the 2021-2022 school year Stuff the Bus program a success.”
“Children that start off their school year lacking the supplies they need may face an unnecessary stigma and feel anxiety; therefore having the tools needed for a successful year is critical to get these children off to a good start.” —President Mark Bledsoe
(Those looking to contribute can visit UWGT’s Facebook page or mail a check to United Way of Greater Texarkana, 214 Spruce Street, Texarkana, TX 75501. Please specify that the donation is for Stuff The Bus. Credit cards are accepted over the phone. Call 903794-3105 or visit in-person.)