ROCKINGHAM — United Way of Richmond County is currently seeking sponsors for the annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign. Last year we collected and purchased 35,000 supplies for students in need.
The effort, organized by the United Way of Richmond County and Richmond County Schools, is now in its 15th year of helping make sure 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 supplies that are needed for them to have 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 names of the sponsors are added to the bus windows and sides.
Last year, Parrish said there were a total of 61 sponsors — “the most we’ve ever had.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, Parrish said there were 38 sponsors. However, she’s hoping to have at least as many as in 2022.
Business and individual sponsorships range from $75 to $350, but 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 Kylie DeWitt at 910-582-5860 or kyliemcdonald@richmond.k12.nc.us.
