ROCKINGHAM — United Way of Richmond County collected 63,735 items during its 18th annual Stuff the Bus, providing school supplies for students across 14 Richmond County schools.
Executive Director Michelle Parrish said this year’s drive received support from 64 sponsors, with the event’s record being 66.
“This is one of our better years. We’ve had 64 sponsors. The most we’ve ever had is 66, so we’re happy to have what we have. We’re excited to be able to continue to help students in Richmond County, making sure they have the supplies and the essentials they need to start the school year off on the right foot,” Parrish said.
Parrish shared that people can continue donating supplies after Stuff the Bus.
“They can continue to donate either at Richmond County Schools’ Central Office or the United Way of Richmond County. They can always reach me if they need me to pick it up. I don’t mind picking it up,” Parrish said.
Parrish can be reached by email at michelleparrish@bellsouth.net, at her office at 910-997-2173 or by cellphone at 910-206-2909.
Parrish also shared how students can receive supplies collected through the event.
“To receive supplies that we purchase and are donated, they need to reach out to their school counselor or social worker, and that’s how the supplies are decided between who receives them,” Parrish said.
Parrish said supplies have never been distributed directly during Stuff the Bus, but there have been instances where professional athletes have attended in previous years to distribute supplies themselves.
“We always take it and count it and let the schools decide,” Parrish said.
Parrish also expressed gratitude for the volunteers who helped with this year’s event.
“I could not do it without the volunteers that we have out here today. We have volunteers from Beta Club, National Honor Society, REaCH, Walmart, Richmond County Schools, Truist, Rev, the Partnership for Children, Richmond Young Professionals and Richmond County Chamber of Commerce,” Parrish said.
United Way of Richmond County will hold its Days of Caring from Sept. 17-19.