Community Gathers to 'Stuff the Bus' for Sumner County Schools

Sumner County residents are coming together to support local students through the 'Stuff the Bus' initiative, aiming to equip every child with the necessary tools for a successful school year.

 

Organized by the United Way of Sumner County, this community-driven event seeks to collect specific school supplies based on updated lists provided by Sumner County Schools. The collected items will be distributed to students whose families are facing financial challenges.

 

In previous years, pandemic-related funding allowed the provision of free school supplies to all K–12 students. However, with the conclusion of this funding, many families are once again experiencing the financial strain of back-to-school expenses.

 

To address this need, the 'Stuff the Bus' drive is focusing on gathering essential items such as composition books, filler paper, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, colored pencils, crayons, markers, dry erase markers, highlighters, pencil pouches, pocket folders, glue sticks, and erasers. Notably, backpacks are being supplied in bulk by the United Way, so individual donations of backpacks are not required.

 

Community members can contribute by donating money to help purchase supplies for students in need. For example, a donation of $57 supplies one student in grades K-2 with basic supplies, including a backpack. Similar donation options are available for other grade levels.

 

Physical donations of new, unused, and unopened packages of the specified items can be dropped off at designated locations in Gallatin and Hendersonville. In Gallatin, the drop-off location is the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce at 118 W. Main St., with hours from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. In Hendersonville, donations can be made at the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce at 100 Country Club Dr #104, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or at the United Way of Sumner County office at 635 E. Main St., Suite 1, by calling 615-461-8371 to arrange a drop-off.

 

For those interested in becoming vendors or supportive partners, participation is encouraged in exchange for a school supply donation. To get involved, please contact the organizers via email.

 

By participating in the 'Stuff the Bus' initiative, Sumner County residents can make a tangible difference in the lives of local students, ensuring they start the school year equipped and ready to learn.