As families begin preparing for a new school year, United Way of 1000 Lakes is once again inviting the community to help students across the region start the year ready to learn through its annual Stuff the Bus drive.

Beginning in July and continuing through August 25, community members can donate new backpacks and classroom essentials to help students arrive on the first day equipped for success. The need remains significant. Across North Central Minnesota—including Itasca County—43% of households with children are living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, meaning many working families earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, child care, transportation, health care, and school supplies. Statewide, 39% of households with children ages 5–17 are below the ALICE threshold, underscoring the financial pressures facing families across Minnesota.

Research consistently shows that children who begin the year with the materials they need are better prepared to participate in class, build confidence, and focus on learning from day one.

Last year, Stuff the Bus provided 436 fully stocked backpacks to 203 local households, distributing more than 15,000 classroom essentials throughout the region. More than 100 volunteers contributed 229 hours to sort donations, pack backpacks, and help families prepare for the new school year.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to walk into the classroom feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn,” said Kimberly Brink Smith, Executive Director of United Way of 1000 Lakes. “For many families, purchasing required classroom items creates added financial stress during an already expensive season. Stuff the Bus is one way our community comes together to remove that barrier so every child has the tools they need to succeed.”

The drive culminates with a three-day volunteer event at Yanmar Arena on August 25-27, where community volunteers will organize donations, pack backpacks based on district supply lists, and distribute them to registered participants.

“Stuff the Bus gives our customers an easy way to make a difference close to home. Every backpack and notebook donated stays in our community and helps a local student start the year with confidence,” said Dan Hunt, store manager at the Grand Rapids Walmart. “ We’re proud to be part of something that has such a direct impact on local families.”

Families living in or attending schools within United Way of 1000 Lakes’ service area—including Bigfork, Cohasset, Coleraine, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Hill City, Warba, and surrounding communities—may register eligible student to receive a backpack filled with grade-specific classroom essentials. Registration is open to parents, guardians, and other caring adults.

Community members can support Stuff the Bus in several ways:

· Donate new backpacks or essentials at one of the participating community collection sites throughout July and August.
· Give financially—a $25 donation provides one local child with a fully stocked backpack containing the supplies needed for a successful start to the school year.
· Volunteer during the backpack packing and distribution event at Yanmar Arena on August 25–27. Volunteers are needed to sort donations, pack backpacks, manage inventory, and assist with distribution. Individuals, families, civic groups, and workplace teams are all welcome.

Donations can be made online at uwlakes.org/donate or mailed to:

United Way of 1000 Lakes Stuff the Bus 350 NW 1st Ave, Suite A Grand Rapids, MN 55744

New school supplies and backpacks can be dropped off throughout July and August at the following community collection sites:

· Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (2120 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids)
· Coldwell Banker Northwoods (812 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids)
· Grand Rapids United Methodist Church (1701 SE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids)
· Itasca County DFL (809 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids)
· Itasca County Family YMCA (400 River Rd, Grand Rapids)
· Kiesler Wellness Center (3130 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids)
· Klockow Brewing Company (36 SE 10th St, Grand Rapids)
· Lake Country Power (26039 Bear Ridge Drive, Cohasset)
· Members Cooperative Credit Union (18 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids)
· Northern Star Co-Op Cenex (105 SE 29th St, Grand Rapids)
· Park State Bank (428 NW 4th Ave & 1215 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids)
· Paul Bunyan Communications (510 SE 21st St, Grand Rapids)
· Rapids Tutoring (350 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids)
· St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (501 15th St NW, Grand Rapids)
· St. Croix Hospice (350 NW 1st Ave, Ste F, Grand Rapids)
· United Way of 1000 Lakes (350 NW 1st Ave, Ste A, Grand Rapids)
· Walmart (100 SE 29th St, Grand Rapids)
· Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (2901 US-169, Grand Rapids)

United Way of 1000 Lakes extends its sincere appreciation to these businesses and organizations for serving as community collection sites and helping make it easy for residents across the region to support local students.

To register a child, make a donation, volunteer for a packing shift, or learn more about hosting a collection drive, visit uwlakes.org/stuff-the-bus or call 218-999-7570.