United Way of South Central Tennessee’s Stuff the Bus initiative is a community-sponsored event that provides school supplies for students in need. This year’s Stuff the Bus Collection Drive will take place through Aug. 4.

The Stuff the Bus initiative has provided over 30,000 local students with school supplies since 2012. Each year the initiative gives more students the tools and confidence they need to succeed in school.

The Stuff the Bus initiative begins first with the collection of needed school supplies. Community members can purchase from the following list of school supplies:

•     Backpacks

•     Crayons (24 pk)

•     Markers, washable, broad tip (8pk)

•     Scissors, 5″ blunt tip

•     Glue sticks (2)

•     Pencil box

•     #2 pencils (12pk) Ticonderoga preferred

•     Colored pencils (12 pk)

•     Spiral Notebook (1 subject)

•     Eraser (Large, Pink)

•     Folder (two pockets)

•     Pencil sharpener (double barrel)

•     12″ Ruler 

School supplies can be dropped off at various collection sites across the community through August 4th. For a full list of collection sites, visit yourlocaluw.org/stuffthebus. Additionally, you can purchase from United Way’s Amazon Wish List and have the items shipped directly to the United Way office. All school supplies are distributed directly to the local school systems to support students in need. Locally, drop off locations include: Heritage South Community Credit Union in Manchester and their location at 763 North Main Street in Shelbyville and Coffee County Bank at 511 N Jackson St., Tullahoma.

This year’s Stuff the Bus sponsors include Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford, First Baptist Murfreesboro, Ingram Content Group, Middle Tennessee Electric, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Publix Supermarkets & Supermarkets Charities, Regions Bank, Andy Womack – State Farm Insurance, Volunteer Bank, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Rachel and Billy Bruce, City of Murfreesboro – Water Resources, Redstone Federal Credit Union, SmartBank, and Wilson Bank & Trust.

For more information about how you can support the Stuff the Bus initiative please visit https://www.yourlocaluw.org/stuffthebus.

United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way focuses on education, health, and financial stability – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done through giving, advocating, and volunteering.