The United Way of the New River Valley is holding its eleventh annual Stuff the Bus
Event today, July 25, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Stuff the Bus is a school supply drive for children in need in the New River Valley.
Out of an abundance of caution and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the event will be drive-thru and has been moved to United Way of the New River Valley’s office at 111 W. Main St. in Christiansburg. Donors can remain in their cars and safely drop off school supplies for local children.
School supplies can also be donated through United Way’s Amazon Wishlist. Donors can also give money with which to purchase supplies through Click & Pledge at unitedwaynrv.org/bustodonate.
$7 can buy 25 pocket folders. $10 can buy six spiral notebooks. $12 can buy 150 pencils. $25 can buy one backpack filled with school supplies.
In 2019, with the help of the community, United Way provided school supplies to more than 586 children. United Way is anticipating that more families will need help getting school supplies this year due to the financial stress COVID-19 has placed on many families.
All items received in a specific community will be distributed to children in that community. Distribution of the school supplies this year will be done through partner charities and given directly to local school systems to help teachers.
Needed items include mask, backpacks, protractors, antimicrobial No. 2 pencils, safety scissors, compasses, binders, washable markers, graph paper, folders with pockets, colored pencils/crayons, calculators, spiral notebooks, glue sticks, pens, notebook paper, pointed scissors, 3- or 5-subject spiral notebooks, erasable ball-point pens, rulers, 5-tab index dividers, lunch Boxes, 3″ x 5″ index cards and highlighters
Stuff the Bus program sponsors are Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, the New River Radio Group, Torc Robotics, Coldwell Banker Townside, Realtors, Foxridge Apartment Home, and Taylor Office Supply.
A family needing assistance with school supplies for the children or needing additional information may contact the United Way of the New River Valley at (540) 381-2066 or by email at info@unitedwaynrv.org.