ROCKINGHAM — United Way Richmond County collected 55,684 school supplies Tuesday during its annual Stuff the Bus event, ensuring students start the school year with the tools they need for success. The effort, now in its 17th year, is a partnership with Richmond County Schools.
“We partner with Richmond County Schools to do Stuff the Bus. This is our 17th year doing Stuff the Bus,” said Michelle Parrish, executive director of United Way Richmond County.
Sponsors played a critical role in making the event possible. Parrish noted that banners on the buses represented companies and individuals who donated between $75 and $350.
“100% of what is donated, we buy school supplies with. There are 56 sponsors which is the third year that we’ve had in the 50s with sponsors, which has been good. We’ve been doing this for 17 years and we’re filling up two school buses,” she said.
All supplies collected will be distributed across the county’s 14 public schools.
“The school supplies are designated to each Richmond County public school, all 14 of them and they are distributed through the guidance counselors at each school. They’re making sure that the students that are truly in need are the students receiving the supplies to make sure these kids start back to school not with obstacles in front of them,” said Parrish.
The tradition has grown steadily over the years. “This is just one of the programs that United Way helps with each year. Last year, we collected over 49,000 school supplies,” Parrish said.
Beta Club students were stationed at Walmart entrances, celebrating each purchase or donation.
“We have Beta Club kids at each door. These Beta club kids down here are celebrating every time they get a donation. They’ve raised over $200 at that door. The Beta Club kids have been helping us for years do this in partnership,” said Parrish.
United Way Richmond County is already preparing for its next community event, Days of Caring, set for Sept. 10-13. Funds raised will benefit 12 local partner agencies.
“Days of Caring is a day where people can give back to the community and go out and volunteer either those days or all three of those days or whatever they would like to do. Last year we had around 315 volunteers that participated in those three days,” said Parrish.
The results of this year’s Stuff the Bus have been a point of pride for the organization.
“We’ve raised around $12,000 this year with Stuff the Bus. We’re excited to be able to continue to do this to give back to Richmond County kids to make sure they’re able to start the school year on the right note,” said Parrish.