By MATT PIKE
The United Way of Greater St. Joseph reports community members stepped up big to help make the 18th annual Stuff the Bus campaign over Tax Free weekend a successful event.
The United Way reports that more than 27,000 school supply items were donated during the drive. In addition, community members donated more than $2,300 to allow United Way to purchase supplies that were not donated. Community members have donated more than 331,000 school supply items since United Way Stuff the Bus began in 2009. Collected school supplies will be distributed through United Way Partner Agencies and Programs including, The Salvation Army.
“We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbors care about neighbors, this weekend’s effort saw volunteers and donors of all ages sharing their time and donating supplies. The caring power of community is strong in St. Joseph!" United Way President Kylee Strough said in a news release.
The goals of United Way STUFF THE BUS! are to
- Ease financial strain on parents, caregivers, teachers and schools by collecting supplies to distribute to students
- Provide an easy way for community members to support education and elevate it’s importance in our community
- Provide a meaningful volunteer activity for all ages
"We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Mosaic Life Care for sponsoring the event, Walmart, First Student bus company, the volunteers, and the hundreds of shoppers & donors who made the effort a success, as well as the many companies who hosted supply drives for their employees," Strough continued. "Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom.”
Families who may need assistance with school supplies collected from this year’s United Way Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive are encouraged to call The Salvation Army to learn more about their school supply distribution which will take place on August 13th, 2026.
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