United Way announces 'Stuff the Bus' drive

United Way of Southwest Minnesota is collecting new school supplies to help local children start the school year off right.
School supplies most needed this year are colored pencils (12 count preferred), crayons (24 count preferred), fine or broad tip markers, and scissors. School supply donations can be placed in collection containers that can be found at the following locations through July 29.
Locations in which supplies can be dropped off, include:
Minneota - Bank of the West
Marshall - Bank of the West, Bremer Bank, First Lutheran Church, Kruse Motors, Lockwood Motors, Marshall-Lyon County Library, Menards, Minnwest Bank, St. Stephen Church, United Way of Southwest Minnesota
Ivanhoe - Bank of the West
The purpose of our Stuff the Bus initiative is to provide K-12 students with the basic school supplies needed to learn and be successful, thereby allowing them (and their parents) to focus on their academic goals. When students are provided with the tools that they need to be successful in school, it eases many burdens. Children can focus on their studies without worrying about having a pencil or a notebook and parents have some of the financial burden lifted off their shoulders. When UWSWMN provides these supplies through Stuff the Bus, we are making an impact that goes much further than school supplies. We’re alleviating stress, building confidence, and helping students thrive
All collected supplies will be distributed to participating schools within the UWSWMN service area. Each school determines their own distribution process to ensure the supplies reach students who need them. Supplies will be sorted and distributed on Aug. 10 to the schools.
Those in need of supplies should contact their respective school district beginning on Aug. 12 for details regarding distribution. Because of this initiative, 56,250 school supplies were distributed in August 2021 to nearly 3,500 K - 12 students at 23 local school schools.
If you are unable to donate supplies, but would like to contribute financially, you may mail checks to: United Way of SWMN, P.O. Box 41, Marshall, MN 56258. Please note “Stuff the Bus” on the memo line. You may also donate online by visiting www.unitedwayswmn.org/STB. Financial donations are accepted yea- round for this initiative and allow us to purchase school supplies in bulk at a low cost.
Please contact UWSWMN for more information at unitedway@unitedwayswmn.org or 507-929-2273. Those interested in volunteering with this initiative should watch our Facebook page for opportunities.