Back-to-School Drive: “Stuff the Bus” campaign kicks off

CAPE FEAR, N.C. (WWAY)– As students across the Cape Fear region prepare to head back to school, Communities in Schools of the Cape Fear is launching their annual Stuff the Bus campaign to help them get ready.

The bus is parked outside Office Depot and Staples on College Road, where it’s collecting donations of new school supplies for the upcoming year.

Essential items always in demand include backpacks, pens, pencils, and paper.

Once collected and sorted, these donations will be distributed to school districts in New Hanover and Pender counties.

Kendall Englehart from Communities in Schools of the Cape Fear explains the impact of these contributions.

“So many of us have memories of back-to-school shopping and getting a new backpack, but for many kids in our region, the cost is just too high or those resources aren’t available. We want to support these students, teachers, and schools to ensure they have what they need to be successful and excited about the new school year,” Englehart said.

Today, three women from EARNEY Accountants & Advisors dropped off 75 backpacks filled with school supplies.

They mentioned that while their office holds a friendly competition to see who can donate the most, they find it rewarding and easy to give back.

Remember, you don’t need to bring a backpack full of supplies; any donation will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.

If you can’t make it to this year’s “Stuff the Bus,” here is a list of alternative drop-off locations for your donations.