The Stuff the Bus campaign of the United Way of the New River Valley sent 207 children back to school with backpacks full of all the supplies necessary to ensure a great start to the school year.
Local businesses collected donations and served as convenient drop-off locations across the New River Valley while residents donated supplies and helped stuff buses during the Stuff the Bus event at United Way’s office in Christiansburg on July 25.
United Way partner agency the Radford Clothing Bank delivered 113 backpacks between Radford High School and Dalton Intermediate and an additional 94 backpacks to Belle Heth Elementary and McHarg Elementary Schools. United Way is also continuing its partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools and Floyd County Public Schools and expects to provide an abundance of backpacks filled with school supplies for students in these two counties.
“It is incredibly rewarding to play a part in helping local children with school supplies.” said Marcela Jara-Radlbeck, United Way’s Community Engagement Director. “When I talk to struggling families, the thought of the additional expense of purchasing school supplies seems overwhelming to them. By working together as a community, we can provide a backpack full of supplies, relief for local parents and a great foundation to help kids in our community have the best start to their school year.”
For additional information, especially about taking part in the 2021 Stuff the Bus campaign, contact the United Way of the New River Valley’s office at (540) 381-2066 or by email at info@unitedwaynrv.org.
