Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The annual Stuff the Bus event is returning to Northeast Arkansas to collect school supplies, which will be distributed to schools across the region.
United Way of Northeast Arkansas’ Stuff the Bus, which has been held annually for over two decades, encourages Northeast Arkansas communities to donate school supplies and money to help students in need. Volunteers are stationed with school buses in front of Walmarts across NEA, collecting supplies on the first Saturday in August.
In addition to accepting school supplies, the event also collects items for schools’ clothing and hygiene closets. Event organizers will accept backpacks, clothes, underwear, socks, nap mats, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and more.
“Elementary is what most people think of when they think of Stuff the Bus, but don’t forget those junior high and high school kids,” said United Way of NEA executive director Heather Coats.
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Stuff the Bus always takes place during Tax Free Weekend, which is Aug. 1-2 in Arkansas. Coats said this was done to save people a bit of money while they shop for supplies.
During last year’s Stuff the Bus, organizers reported over 43,000 items and $7,600 donated. Coats said there is never a donation goal set, as it is just based on how much the community gives.
“Our community is so giving. Every year we just seem to outdo the year before,” Coats said. “So, we don’t ever say, ‘Hey, we want this many supplies,’ because we just kind of let the community show us what they can do, and they always do better than we even imagined. We’re very thankful for the community coming out that way.”
Donations do not just go to schools themselves, Coats said. United Way also collects supply donations for kids living in the Family Crisis Center, Mission Outreach, and Northeast Arkansas Advocacy Center safe houses. It also donates to Grow NEA’s back-to-school event held in Parker Park.
“Stuff the Bus is more than just about that Saturday in August. We’re really reaching out to all of these agencies and different people in town and just making sure all of our kids in Northeast Arkansas are ready to go.”
In addition to individual donations, businesses can also set up teams, allowing for donations to be collected at that location. Those interested can contact Coats at heather.coats@local.unitedway.org to receive flyers. Donations can be dropped off at United Way, or a volunteer can pick them up.
Coats added that people can sign up to volunteer for the event. To sign up, call 870-935-3658 or email Coats.
Stuff the Bus is set for Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for the yellow bus in front of Walmart stores. A complete list of bus locations is below:
- Jonesboro Walmart located at 1911 W. Parker Road
- Jonesboro Walmart located at 1815 E. Highland Drive
- Paragould Walmart located at 2802 W. Kingshighway
- Osceola Walmart located at 2720 W. Keiser Ave.
- Pocahontas Walmart located at 1415 Highway 67 South
- Trumann Walmart located at 512 Industrial Drive
- Walnut Ridge Walmart located at 1600 W. Main St.
- Wynne Walmart located at 800 Highway 64 East
Click here to donate money for Stuff the Bus.
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