Help Local Students Start Strong!
August 1 – August 29, 2025
Every child deserves to start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Join us this August for our annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive—because when students have what they need, they can shine bright in the classroom and beyond.
Become A Box Host:
Help us collect backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more by becoming a Stuff the Bus box host! There are two ways to participate:
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Private Host – Place a collection box at your workplace and rally your staff to donate!
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Public Host – Make your location a drop-off site for the whole community and encourage your customers or neighbors to join the drive.
We'll provide the signage, supply list, and promotional tools—you bring the community spirit!
Nominate a Teacher!
We want to make sure donations go straight to where they’re needed most. That’s why we’re asking community members to nominate local teachers who go above and beyond. We aim to honor educators from every school district across the Lakeshore with a box of supplies for their classroom.
Have someone in mind?
Want to Help? Shop Our Wishlist!
Looking for a quick and easy way to support local students? You can donate supplies directly by shopping our online wishlist! Every item you purchase will go straight into the hands of a teacher or student right here in our community.
Whether it’s crayons, notebooks, or backpacks, every donation helps lighten the load for families and educators alike!
Why It Matters
Across the Lakeshore, almost HALF of our families are ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These hardworking households earn above the poverty line but still struggle to afford basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and yes—school supplies.
At the same time, the average teacher spends over $500 out of pocket each year to stock their classroom with essential materials for students. Many go above and beyond to make sure every child has what they need to learn and thrive.
Stuff the Bus bridges that gap. By collecting supplies and distributing them through our Distinguished Educator nominations, we’re making sure resources reach the classrooms where they’re needed most. This approach helps:
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Ease the burden on families facing transportation or scheduling barriers to attend community giveaways.
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Support teachers who often shoulder the cost of equity in their classrooms.
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Ensure students in ALICE families have access to the same opportunities as their peers—from day one.
When we equip classrooms, we empower communities. Your donation, your nomination, and your participation help every child shine bright this school year.
