RICHMOND COUNTY — United Way of Richmond County is seeking sponsors for its 18th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, a community-wide effort to ensure students throughout Richmond County have the supplies they need to begin the school year prepared for success.
The annual Stuff the Bus event will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart in Rockingham, with a rain date of Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Community members can follow the campaign’s progress and view the current list of sponsors on the United Way of Richmond County Facebook page. Sponsor recognition updates, drop-off locations, volunteer opportunities, and event information will be shared throughout the campaign.
In 2025, the campaign helped provide 55,684 school supplies through donations and purchases. Supplies are distributed directly to students identified by counselors and social workers in each Richmond County School.
“Not having basic school supplies should never stand in the way of a child’s ability to learn and grow,” said Michelle Parrish, Executive Director of United Way of Richmond County. “This campaign helps us support local students so they can return to school confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.”
During the event, Richmond County school buses will be parked in front of Walmart and filled with donations from community members, businesses, churches, civic organizations, and local partners. Requested items include notebooks, notebook paper, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks, folders, backpacks, and other essential classroom supplies.
Businesses and organizations are invited to support the campaign through sponsorships. All sponsors will be recognized on the school buses, on social media, and on the back of the event T-shirt. Last year, the campaign was supported by 57 sponsors, and United Way hopes to meet or exceed that level of community support in 2026.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $75 to $350, and 100% of sponsorship and donation proceeds designated for Stuff the Bus are used to purchase school supplies for Richmond County students. Contributions of any amount are welcome and appreciated.
Community members who would like to support the campaign financially may make a secure online donation by visiting United Way of Richmond County’s website and clicking the Donate button. Every dollar donated to Stuff the Bus helps ensure local children have the tools they need to start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
To become a sponsor, make a donation, or learn more about the Stuff the Bus campaign, please contact:
Michelle Parrish
Executive Director
United Way of Richmond County
910-997-2173
michelleparrish@bellsouth.net
or
Cameron Whitley
Richmond County Schools
910-582-5860
cameronwhitley@richmond.k12.nc.us
Or visit www.unitedwayrichmondnc.com and click the Donate button to make a secure online contribution.
You may also follow United Way of Richmond County on Facebook for sponsor updates, drop-off locations, volunteer opportunities, and campaign information throughout the summer. Together, we can help Richmond County students start the school year equipped, confident, and ready to learn.