Community shows up to pack backpacks for Stuff the Bus
On Tuesday Aug. 26, volunteers from the community came together at the Yanmar Arena for a backpack packing party.
The United Way Stuff the Bus school supply drive takes place annually from July through August in Itasca County, collecting school supplies for local students that would otherwise be unable to obtain them. The annual back-to-school initiative ensures students start the year with the supplies they need to learn, grow, and thrive in the classroom.
According to Kimberly Smith, president of United Way 1000 Lakes, over 16,000 items were packed, and more than 500 families received help through this program.
Once they had learned the packing process and signed a waiver, they chose a backpack and filled it with supplies. The final step was to sit down with the packs, organize the contents and write a note of encouragement or kindness for the student that would receive the pack.
Board member Connie Braiedy said “It’s so powerful. I’ve been working check-in for the past two days and the people that showed up…! Some weren’t even signed up to help, they just saw the sign and came in. I’m really impressed with the people in our community. I’m just totally grateful. Together we are better.”
There was also a volunteer lounge with healthy refreshments, a Tap to Give! Kiosk for donations, and Kona Ice was onsite, donating 25% of all purchases to the program.
Smith would like to offer a special thank you to Dale Anderson with Yanmar Arena for giving the program such a great space for the packing party, as well as the board members, donors and volunteers. With thousands of supplies donated and hundreds of families supported, this year’s Stuff the Bus proved once again how powerful the Itasca community can be when it comes together.