Sponsorships sought for Richmond County’s Stuff the Bus campaign

ROCKINGHAM — United Way of Richmond County is currently seeking sponsors for our annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign. Last year we collected and purchased a total of 38,000 supplies for students in need.

The effort, organized by the United Way of Richmond County and Richmond County Schools, is now in its 16th year of helping students have what they need as school starts back.

“I believe that the inability to afford school supplies should not be an obstacle to a child’s success,” said Michelle Parrish, executive director of UWRC. “One way that we are working to advance the good of all is to ensure that when school starts this year, every child can return to the classroom with the supplies needed for a successful school year.”

Each year, a Richmond County School bus is parked in front of Walmart and filled with a variety of school supply items, often including paper, notebooks, pencils, markers, crayons, glue sticks and more.

The sponsors’ names are added to the bus, social media, and the back of the event t-shirt.

Last year, United Way of Richmond County Executive Director Michelle Parrish said there were 61 total sponsors — “the most we’ve ever had.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, Parrish said there were 40 sponsors. However, she’s hoping to have at least as many as in 2023.

Business and individual sponsorships range from $75 to $350, but any donation is greatly appreciated and all funds go directly to purchase supplies. Students are identified through counselors and social workers at each Richmond County School.

For more information, contact Parrish at 910-997-2173 or michelleparrish@bellsouth.net or Ginny Sellers with Richmond County Schools at 910-582-5860 or ginnysellers@richmond.k12.nc.us or Cameron Whitley at 910-582-5860 cameronwhitley@richmond.k12.us