Members of the community had an opportunity to purchase and deposit supplies for Stuff the Bus on Saturday at Dillons and the Walmart Supercenter in Junction City. The effort provides school supplies for children in Geary USD 475, Chapman USD 473 and Saint Xavier School.
Saturday was the final big collection day. Nichole Mader, United Way Director, said supplies are then taken to Spin City on South Washington, volunteers come in over a two-day period for a count on the amounts received. Supplies will then be divided up for different schools. "I work with the schools very closely and I love our relationship with them."
Data gathered in earlier surveys is used to help determine the right amount of supplies for each school. In a normal year about 7,000 items are received and approximately 3,500 to 4,000 students receive that service.
Mallory Larsen, Grandview Elementary School Principal, said cash donations were received and people were stopping by to learn about their mission and taking a list of needed supplies. Some donations received included school supply kits, crayons, markers and clorox wipes. Dry erase markers are a big need.
Larsen is excited for the school year to begin. "Excited to get the teachers in the building next week and then the students the week after that."
Washington Elementary School and the Optimist Club were also represented during the Saturday collection at the Walmart Supercenter.