Stuff the Bus school supply drive returns to help local students prepare for school year
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Communities In Schools of Cape Fear is inviting the community to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year through its 26th Annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive.
The event will take place Thursday, August 13, with donations benefiting students in New Hanover and Pender counties.
Organizers say access to basic school supplies can help remove barriers that contribute to chronic absenteeism by ensuring students return to class feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
“When students return to school with the supplies they need, they’re more confident, more engaged and ready to learn,” said CIS Cape Fear Communications Manager Kendall Englehart. “Something as simple as a backpack or notebook can reduce stress for families and help remove barriers to attendance. Stuff the Bus is our community’s way of making sure every student starts the year prepared.”
On August 13, school buses will be stationed at Office Depot Hanover Center and Staples on College Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to collect new school supply donations.
After the collection period ends, donated items will be sorted by volunteers and distributed to students in need throughout New Hanover and Pender counties.
Community members who cannot attend the event can still help by dropping off donations at Stuff the Bus barrels located at participating businesses and organizations throughout the region. An interactive map of donation locations is available through the Communities In Schools of Cape Fear website.
Ways to support the effort include:
- Bringing new school supplies to Office Depot Hanover Center or Staples on College Road on August 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dropping off donations at a nearby Stuff the Bus collection barrel
- Shopping through the CIS Cape Fear Amazon Wish List
Organizers say every donation helps provide students with the tools they need to start the school year ready to succeed.
