From County United Way:
The 12th annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive has wrapped up, and this year’s efforts far exceeded expectations thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and citizens. More than 8,700 school supplies were collected, along with thousands of dollars in monetary donations, ensuring that students in Garrett County—and at Garrett College—have the resources they need to start the school year strong.
The Stuff the Bus campaign, which began in July and ran through August 31st, saw 14 businesses and organizations working together to make it easier for the public to donate. Participating locations included Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, Wal-Mart, and many more.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community for coming together year after year to support local students and teachers,” said Misty Deal, Director of Finance at County United Way. “This year’s turnout surpassed all expectations, with the support of local businesses, volunteers, and donors making it possible to collect more than $22,000 worth of supplies.”
A special feature of this year’s event was the collection box decorating contest, which encouraged local businesses to engage their customers in a fun and creative way. Eleven businesses participated in the friendly competition, and Sonshines and Daisies Daycare took home the top prize with 52 votes. Highland Thrift Store and Mountain Laurel Medical Center – Administration Department came in second and third place, respectively.
“We had an overwhelming response to the collection box contest and online voting,” Deal continued. “It’s so heartwarming to see how the community gets involved in such a meaningful way.”
Wal-Mart played a key role in hosting the bus and collecting supplies for the drive. Store Manager Chad Freeman, along with Front End Coach Zack and their associates, went above and beyond in promoting the event and encouraging shoppers to support the cause during checkout.
Several other businesses and nonprofits also stepped up to collect supplies. The Garrett County Department of Social Services, Garrett County Health Department, Mountain Laurel Medical Center, and Wepco all contributed to the drive’s success. Special thanks to Kevin Green, who provided the bus to transport donations to Wal-Mart on the day of the event.
The collected supplies, valued at $16,940.39, were sorted and inventoried by volunteers from Garrett County Board of Education, Garrett College, and other local organizations, ensuring that each school and student received the necessary materials to begin the academic year.
This year’s Stuff the Bus drive also received an extraordinary donation of 9,713 units of hand sanitizer, valued at $5,924.93, from Total Biz Fulfillment, helping ensure that local students and teachers have the hygiene products they need as well.
The total amount of support for Stuff the Bus this year was $22,865.32, including 8,747 school supplies, $1,763.11 in monetary donations, and a $500 contribution from the Garrett County Public School Foundation to purchase 231 book bags.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of Stuff the Bus,” said Deal. “Garrett County truly is a caring community, and this year’s drive will make a lasting impact on our students and teachers for months to come.”
For more information about Stuff the Bus or to find out how you can get involved in next year’s event, please contact Misty Deal at Email Misty Deal.