Okaloosa School Board launches annual 'Stuff the Bus' campaign for upcoming school year

NICEVILLE — It is never too early to prepare.

On June 24, the Okaloosa County School District announced the return of its annual "Stuff the Bus" campaign, which allows the community to donate school supplies for students in need for the 2024-25 school year.

Last year, the district collected over $11,000 worth of supplies, helping more than 10,000 students across 53 schools in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

"Any help that you can give to allow our students to have their own individual supplies would be greatly appreciated." Superintendent Marcus Chambers said in a news release. "I want to thank United Way and the many community sponsors who make a difference in the lives of our students by giving them the much needed supplies that they need each and everyday."

Needed school supplies

• Crayons
• Colored Pencils
• Washable Markers
• Dry Erase Markers
• Folders
• Backpacks
• #2 Pencils (Dixon/Ticonderoga preferred)
• Mechanical Pencils
• Glue Sticks
• Notebooks
• Composition Notebooks
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Binders (one or one and 1/2 inch)
• Cap erasers

Drop-off locations

From now until July 23, residents can drop off much-needed school supplies at Beachside Community Church, 200 Racetrack Road NW, in Fort Walton Beach. The dropoff window is Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The location will be closed on July 4.

On Aug. 2, school district officials will park a bus in the parking lot of United Fidelity Bank, 135 Perry Ave. SE, in Fort Walton Beach. The bus will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Stuff the Bus event

On Aug. 3, those who wish to participate in Stuff the Bus can take advantage of Florida's tax-free weekend and donate school supplies or money to local schools.

The locations for these events are:

• Walmart - Crestview (3351 S. Ferdon Blvd.)
• Walmart - Fort Walton Beach (748 Beal Parkway NW)
• Walmart - Niceville (1300 E. John Sims Parkway E)

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Okaloosa School Board launches annual 'Stuff the Bus' campaign for upcoming school year