‘Stuff the Bus’ returns to help students and teachers with school supplies
Aug 1, 2022, 12:29 PM | Updated: 3:31 pm
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — August means it’s officially back-to-school season for students across the state, and to make sure students are ready for school, United Way of Salt Lake is back this year with “Stuff the Bus.”
It’s an annual event with the goal of providing school supplies for thousands of students across the Wasatch Front. The need is great every year and especially this year.
Their goal is to provide school supplies to more than 10,000 students this year. They hope to have fully loaded backpacks for 4,300 students.
This is the 12th “Stuff the Bus” event United Way of Salt Lake has organized.
“We just wanna make sure kids can show up on their first day of school ready to learn,” said Brianne Butterfield, Volunteer Projects Coordinator.
Back to school means backpacks, crayons, markers, and more.
This year, they also need folders, notebooks, glue sticks, and 5-inch scissors. Even though the list and the bill adds up quickly, the need for school supplies continued.
To make sure students are ready for school, @uwsl is back with a goal to provide school supplies for thousands of students across the Wasatch Front.
📕Goal this year: Get school supplies to more than 10,000 students.
✏️ Yep! 10,000! That’s why they need your help!@KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/FoF6XbzK3O
— Karah Brackin (@KB_ON_TV) August 1, 2022
“Inflation is crazy, and school supplies are just going up,” Butterfield said.
Inflation hits other pockets, too.
“Usually, teachers have to supply these things on their own, and it can get very expensive for them,” Butterfield explained.
A busy week is in store as United Way of Salt Lake takes in donations Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Midweek, they will sort through everything. Then, they will pack backpacks on Thursday, with school districts picking supplies up Friday.
“This year, we’ll be serving 27 schools and partnered with seven community centers,” Butterfield said.
They will serve Canyon School District all the way up to Davis School District.
Last year, “Stuff the Bus” served around 13,000 students.
Donations can be dropped off Monday until 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m at the Columbus Community Center in South Salt Lake.