CAPE GIRARDEAU – Every year, it is estimated that around 1,000 families in our area cannot afford the school supplies needed for their children to confidently begin another academic year. Even more families may be impacted this year as a result of the continuing financial effects of the COVID pandemic. That is why United Way of Southeast Missouri is collecting basic school supplies for children in need during their annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign.
On August 6th from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Walmart stores in Cape Girardeau, Fredericktown, Jackson, Kennett, Malden, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, and Sikeston will help United Way Stuff the Bus during Missouri’s tax-free weekend.
Walmart shoppers are encouraged to purchase additional school supplies and place them in the designated donation boxes or shopping carts. Some stores will have buses parked in front to collect supplies.
Athletic groups, student clubs, faculty, and staff from participating schools will collect the school supplies donated by community members and periodically transport the supplies to waiting buses. At the end of the event, all donated school supplies will be delivered to students in need at each participating school. People can also give without going to the store by donating online at: www.unitedwayofsemo.org/donate.
Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of United Way explains, “As costs continue to rise, school supplies are becoming even more of a challenge for many working families in our area. We are asking those who can afford to pick up a few extras or give online to help students not feel stigmatized that first day of school.”
Although each school, student, and classroom has different needs, these are the top ten items requested by local school districts.
⦁ Single Subject Notebooks
⦁ Mechanical Pencils
⦁ Filler Paper
⦁ 2-Pocket Folders
⦁ Ink Pens
⦁ Crayola 24 count Crayons
⦁ 2-pack Pink Erasers
⦁ Bottled School Glue
⦁ Scissors
⦁ 3-pack Glue Sticks