Annual school supply donation event “Stuff the Bus” in Burke County

BURKE COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – WJBF and the Giving Your Best partners, along with the United Way of the CSRA held their final annual school supply drive in Burke County.

Stuff the Bus had its last in-person donation event today as it prepares for this upcoming school year.

The United Way of the CSRA held three Stuff the Bus events, the last one for Burke County schools. The event was held in the Waynesboro Walmart parking lot, and Walmart donated to the cause.

“Mainly Walmart is community oriented. We like to do things for the community, and this is another outreach that we do with United Way, Stuff the Bus, for the school year starting,” said Phillip Hartle, Waynesboro Walmart Store Manager.

Volunteers tell me they are happy to return each year to give back to the community, knowing they are helping the youth.

“Just the kids, because these supplies go a long way in helping out, and of course, it helps out with the parents. That supplies they can put somewhere else and for the teacher wise that helps the kids bring in the supplies they need,” said Carl Lewis, a volunteer.

Burke County School Systems has been partnered with the United Way Stuff the Bus for 14 to 15 years. The schools separate the donations and distribute them to the parent coordinators, who make sure the students get what they need.

“The school year starts, and a teacher notices, hey, this child doesn’t have a book bag, or this child doesn’t have what they need for class,” said Amy Jenkins, Public Relations Director for Burke County School System. “You know they will reach out to the parent coordinator and will be able to provide those kids with the supplies they need to succeed and have a great school year.”

Organizers are grateful for volunteers and donors who continue to bring awareness and help to the event.

“The best part of this is watching the volunteers and the doners give so much of their time. You know, to be out here in the heat and collect the supplies,” Rina Powell, Senior Director of Resource Development.

United Way hopes to help families who need help purchasing basic school supplies for their students. Although the events are over, you can bring the items to the Burke County Board of Education if you want to donate to Burke County Schools.

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