Even though summer break has just began for most of us, it’s not to early to start planning for next year. That’s just what The United Way of Delaware County is doing, by holding it’s first ” Stuff the Bus” and ” Supplies for Scholars” events. These events will benefit children in pre-k through 12th grade in Delaware County.
The Stuff the Bus event runs the week of June 16th through the 21st. On these dates school supplies, backpacks, personal hygiene items, and socks and underwear will be collected at Walmart located in Lewis Center. The goal is to provide supplies for 2,000 students.
“The concept of “Stuff the Bus” has been around for years, this is the first time that I am aware of that we are hosting one in Delaware County,” said Barb Lyon the Vice President of The United Way of Delaware County. “The United Way of Delaware County in partnership with our Women’s Leadership Network initiated the idea in fall 2013.”
For this event to be possible The United Way of Delaware County needs volunteers at both event to help collect, organize and hand out the supplies.
“We have a wonderful volunteer who graciously has pulled the event together,” Lyon said. “We are excited to partner with several organizations to make this a success. Delaware City School, Walmart and Meijer have provided donations and/or financial support to ensure both events are successful. Several others have provided donations and volunteers to assist as well.”
Then on July 18th the ” Supplies for Scholars” event is being held at Woodward Elementary. This is where students can pick up the supplies that where donated.
“What makes this event uunique is that the supplies that are collected during June 16-21 will be sorted and distributed at our first “Supplies for Scholars” back to school event on July 18th,” Lyon said “The intent is to create a fun-filled day where families can come to one location and pick up school supplies, receive a free haircut (limited to the first 50 children) and a gift certificate for shoes (limited quantities). We will also have the 2nd and 7 Foundation there to pass out books and local vendors like Kona Ice, Wendy’s, Costco and others are providing refreshments. Games, face painting and a bounce house are also planned.”
The Supplies for Scholars event is free and open to any school-aged child pre-k through 12th grade in Delaware County. To receive a shoe gift certificate, proof of Delaware County residency must be provided.
The United Way needs volunteers the week of June 16-21 to help staff the bus at Walmart Super Center in Lewis Center from 9 am-9 pm each day. Kids can also volunteer as long as they are supervised by an adult. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Barb Lyon at firstname.lastname@example.org to learn more.