Event gets kids school supplies

The annual Stuff the Bus event will be this Saturday at the South Point Walmart.

For the past eight years, the United Way of the River Cities and Ohio University Southern have partnered to get school supplies for kids in need in Lawrence County.

Stephanie Burcham, the director of the Ohio University Proctorville Center, said reason that so many OU faculty, staff members and students participate in the Stuff the Bus event is because they have similar missions. They also ask students and staff to donate supplies as well.

“We are all about empowering people in the community to succeed in their educational endeavors,” she said. “We couldn’t think of anything better that we would like to be doing.”

Andrea Roy, director of community impact for the United Way of the River Cities agreed.

“This event brings so many sectors together for a common goal—to help local students in need,” said Andrea Roy, director of community impact. “From Ohio University Southern to Walmarts, TTA, Tri-River Transit, and to community members who give, we’re all in this together.”

Burcham said that they are always happy with the school supplies they get at the event for Lawrence County students.

“I think it is a great testimony about our community and its giving spirit,” she said. “I shouldn’t be surprised but I always am, at how giving people are.”

She said that many people would make sure to buy supplies when they are shopping at the  store so they can donate.

“They are always so generous, it is always such a pleasant surprise,” Burcham said.

Shopping lists will be distributed at each location on the day of the event and are available online at www.unitedwayrivercities.org.

“This way, a secure donation will be made toward the purchase of school supplies for whichever county you indicate,” Roy said. “It’s safe and simple.”

There will also be a Stuff the Bus Event on Saturday at the Walmart in Mason County in West Virginia and on Aug. 11, they will be taking donations at the Walmarts in Cabell and Wayne counties.

Roy said patrons also can contribute to Stuff the Bus without leaving home by texting STUFFBUS to 41444.

For more information about Stuff the Bus, visit unitedwayrivercities.org.