CHAMBERSBURG- While many Franklin County residents are navigating summer vacations, picnics, and barbecues, the staff at United Way is focused on the impending return to school for local students. In August, students across the county will enter classroom doors, their backpacks overflowing with tissue boxes and glue sticks. “Families with school aged children are already thinking about supply lists, and for many the July rush on school supplies represents a stressful and challenging time,” says Kimberly Stephens, Community Impact Coordinator for United Way of Franklin County. “United Way’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive ensures that all 5 school districts have supplies at the ready to fill needs as they arise.” Businesses and community members are collecting donations for this year’s drive from July 5-July 31. There are five ways to get involved:
· Donate dollars- monetary contributions to Stuff the Bus are used to purchase supplies. Donations can be made online at https://www.uwfcpa.org/stuff-the-bus. Checks or cash can be delivered to the United Way office, at 182 S. Second St. Chambersburg.
· Drop off supplies- School supply donations may be delivered through July 31st to United Way’s office from 9 am- 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. A map of other donation locations can be found on the United Way website.
· Online Registry- School supplies can be purchased directly from Target online, through the Stuff the Bus registry. To designate a donation to a specific school district, simply write the district name in the “Gift Message” line during checkout. Registry link is located on the United Way website.
· Stop by the bus- Look for the United Way school bus at community events such as Greencastle Market Days, Fannettsburg Fest, Mercersburg Food Truck Fest, and the Path Valley Parade.
· Collect as a team- Organize a school supply donation drive at work, at church, through a sports team, or other community group! A sign-up form is located on the webpage, and collection boxes are available upon request.
To learn more about Stuff the Bus or other community impact events, contact United Way of Franklin County at (717) 262-0018. Upcoming events and opportunities are also highlighted on the website at www.uwfcpa.org.
