News Summary
The annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive will take place on August 1 to provide essential educational supplies to local students in Northeast Florida. Over a third of residents live in poverty, underscoring the need for this initiative backed by the United Way of Northeast Florida and local sponsors. Donations can be made in person or online, with options available to support specific areas. This drive aims to assist thousands of students and break down educational barriers in the community.
Jacksonville, FL – The annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive is set to take place on Friday, August 1, aimed at supporting local students in need throughout Northeast Florida. The drive addresses a pressing issue, as over a third of residents in the region live in poverty or near-poverty, highlighting the critical need for assistance in providing basic educational supplies.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving United Way of Northeast Florida Full Service Schools and various local sponsors. The event has been ongoing for nearly two decades, continuously striving to meet the demands faced by children in the community.
On August 1, donations can be made at two designated locations: The Markets at Town Center in Duval County and Staples in Orange Park, Clay County. The donation drive will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing ample time for community members to contribute.
Online and Text Donation Options
For those unable to attend in person, donations can be conveniently made online through the United Way’s website or by texting “CLASSROOMS25” to 30306. Contributors can choose to allocate their donations specifically to Duval or Clay County, ensuring that the support reaches the areas where it is most needed.
Impact of Donations
The funds raised through this initiative will significantly impact local schools. Donations directed towards Duval County will support eight Full Service Schools Family Resource Centers, which assist 87 schools and over 57,000 students in Jacksonville. With varying donation amounts recommended, the initiative offers a range of options for those looking to contribute:
- $5 provides a student with a backpack or personal care kit.
- $25 supplies a K-5 student with a fully stocked backpack for half the school year.
- $50 equips a middle schooler with essential items, including a mesh or clear backpack and a scientific calculator.
- $100 secures a complete classroom pack filled with disinfectant wipes, dry erase markers, and copy paper.
Touch-Free In-Person Donations
For those opting to donate in person, the drive-thru setup ensures a safe, contactless experience. Participants can simply drive up to the First Coast News tent, where volunteers will collect donations directly from vehicles. Additionally, donations can also be deposited in Stuff the Bus boxes located at various Community First Credit Union branches throughout Jacksonville and Orange Park.
Community Involvement
Local businesses, churches, and organizations are encouraged to participate by forming teams to support the drive. Teamwork amplifies the contributions made and creates a larger community impact. Event organizers can provide a list of the most-needed supplies to ensure that contributions are focused on items essential for educational success.
Conclusion and Future Support
The “Stuff the Bus” drive addresses significant educational challenges by ensuring that underprivileged students in Northeast Florida receive the supplies needed for successful learning experiences. With community support, this drive continues to build a foundation for a brighter future for thousands of students in the area. The collective effort of donations and local involvement plays a crucial role in breaking down the barriers to education faced by many families.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Stuff the Bus 2025
- Jacksonville Beach Moms: Target School List Assistance
- My Journal Courier: Lawmakers Host School Supplies Drive
- Jacksonville.com: Disaster School Supplies Sales Tax Florida Bill
- WOKV: Jewish Family Community Services Hosts School Supply Drive
- Wikipedia: School Supply
- Google Search: School supplies drive
- Google Scholar: Education funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School supplies
- Google News: Back to school events