ROCKINGHAM — Two buses will be packed with paper and other supplies next week to give Richmond County students a helping hand for the start of the upcoming school year.
United Way of Richmond County is teaming up with Richmond County Schools and other sponsors Monday, Aug. 5 for the 16th annual Stuff the Bus campaign in front of Walmart.
The event runs from 9-2 a.m. with volunteers buying school supplies and loading them onto the buses parked in front of the retail store.
In addition to the money raised from sponsors — whose logos will be plastered on the buses — UWRC Executive Director Michelle Parrish said financial and supply donations will be accepted on site.
“Each year, our goal remains the same: to help local K-12 students return to school with the
necessary supplies, so they can feel confident and successful on their first day and beyond,” said Parrish.
Supplies needed include:
- Notebooks
- Pencils
- Pens
- Crayons
- Markers
- Binders
- Backpacks
“All students deserve to feel prepared when they walk through the doors on their first day of
School,” Parrish added. “By giving to the Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, you help make that possible.”
Supplies can also be dropped off at RCS Central Office, 118 Vance St., Hamlet; and monetary donations can be made by sending to PO Box 153, Rockingham, NC 28380, or visiting unitedwayrichmondnc.net.
“Every donation helps ensure that students in need have the tools to succeed in the upcoming
school year,” Parrish said.
Supplies collected during the drive will be distributed by the schools’ guidance counselors to those who need them most.
Last year’s campaign brought in more than $10,000 to purchase pens, pencils, paper and more.
Gael Pallets Inc. will also be giving away supplies-filled backpacks and hot dogs to the first 300 students who show up to Stuff the Bus.
For more information or to coordinate your donation, contact Parrish at 910-997-2173, 910-206-2909, or email michelleparrish@bellsouth.net.
In addition to the United Way’s campaign, Alcohol and Drug Services is collecting school supplies for its annual Community Safe Celebration at Dobbins Heights Park from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 24.
That event will also include free swimming, face painting and a three-on-three basketball tournament.
Several donation boxes are in the community, including one at Nana’s Coffee Rocks in downtown Rockingham.
For more information on that event, contact Shirlyn Morrison-Sims at 910-997-7105 ext. 3.
The group Darren’s Voice is also organizing a back-to-school drive. Send a message to the group’s Facebook page for drop-off locations.
