Stuff the Bus
Students are successful in school when they arrive prepared to learn. But many students in Williamson County community struggle to get the basic supplies necessary to participate in the learning process. And for many, not having the right tools means they also don’t feel confident and motivated to learn.
With the common goal of helping students start the school year with needed supplies, the Patricia Hart Society of United Way of Williamson County, Fairview Community Action Partnership (FCAP) and GraceWorks Ministries are collaborating on the “Stuff the Bus” Campaign, a school supply drive. Last year’s supply drive served more than 2000 students county-wide.
“This collection effort has made a major impact on the preparedness of the students,” says Tina Edwards, Patricia Hart Society’s Stuff the Bus Chair. “All you have to do is look at a child’s face receiving these supplies to know you’ve made a difference.”
The public is encouraged to get involved by purchasing and donating school supplies. Local Publix stores starting their school supply sale July 25. Supplies purchased at Publix are delivered to United Way or you are welcome to bring supplies to the United Way’s offices at 209 Gothic Court– Suite 107 in Franklin.
The culmination of “Stuff the Bus” will be the distribution of donated school supplies to students at two events. GraceWorks Ministries’ “The Big Backpack Giveaway” is Saturday, July 27, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on the grounds of Liberty Elementary. FCAP’s “Back 2 School Bash” is Saturday, August 3, from 10 a.m.-12 noon at Fairview High School. Both events are filled with activities, prizes and fun for the whole family. Supplies are delivered to the eastern corner of the county by Patricia Hart Society volunteers.
Suggested donation items include:
Composition Books
3-Ring Binders (2 inch)
Loose Leaf Paper (any rule)
Pocket Folders (various colors)
Crayola Colored Pencils and/or Crayola Washable Markers
Highlighters
Index Cards
Scissors (elementary safety tip)
For more information about the “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive, please contact Debby Rainey at United Way of Williamson County’s Volunteer Center at (615) 771-2312.
