United Way of West Florida and its partners brought the community together on Thursday, July 23, for another successful Stuff the Bus school supply drive, collecting approximately $48,000 in school supplies that will help local students begin the school year ready to learn.
Held at six Walmart locations across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, the annual event united businesses, volunteers, educators, and community members in support of local students. To make this event happen, 240 volunteers staffed donation sites throughout the day, completing 483 service hours. More than $8,500 in cash donations were collected the day of the event, as well as $18,500 in cash sponsorships and $2,500 in in-kind sponsorships.
As families continue to face rising costs for everyday necessities, events like Stuff the Bus help ensure students have access to the tools they need to succeed in school.
“Stuff the Bus is a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together,” said Laura Gilliam, President and CEO of United Way of West Florida. “Every donation represents an investment in a child’s future. We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and partner who helped make this year’s event a success. Because of your generosity, thousands of local students will begin the school year with the supplies they need and the confidence to succeed.”
That impact is felt most directly in classrooms, where having the right supplies can make a meaningful difference in a student’s ability to feel prepared, confident, and ready to learn. The generosity behind Stuff the Bus is a tangible reminder of what happens when a community invests in its students.
“Our school is deeply thankful for the continuous support of the Stuff the Bus school supply drive,” said Kristen Danley, principal at Lipscomb Elementary. “We know that not every student arrives on the first day of school with the supplies they need to be successful. The donations and generosity help to ensure that every child has the opportunity to start the year prepared and ready to learn. When students are prepared to learn, our community grows stronger. Together, we’re investing in a brighter future for everyone.”
Donated supplies were sorted by the districts and have been distributed to all schools in both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. If parents are in need of supplies, they can contact their school’s administration directly.
“The success of our community is tied directly to the success of our students,” said April Martin, Director of Elementary Education for Santa Rosa County. “Students who are well-prepared have a greater opportunity to become contributing citizens, skilled members of the workforce, and future leaders. Investing in student success today creates a stronger, safer, and more prosperous community for generations to come.”
United Way of West Florida extends its heartfelt appreciation to the many organizations that made this year’s Stuff the Bus possible. Special thanks to our school partners, Escambia County Public Schools and Santa Rosa County District Schools; our host partner, Walmart; our media partners, WEAR-TV, Pensacola News Journal, Cat Country 98.7, and NewsRadio 92.3; and our generous sponsors and community partners, including Navy Federal Credit Union, HCA Florida West Hospital, International Paper, Florida Power & Light, Publix Super Markets, Lamar Advertising, Ascend Cares Foundation, Westmark & Associates: Allstate Insurance, PenAir Credit Union, DLUX Printing, and The Home Depot.
UWWF also thanks the many individual donors and community volunteers whose generosity continues to make this annual tradition possible.
About United Way of West Florida
United Way of West Florida (UWWF) mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. True to its founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, UWWF is there. The nonprofit organization brings a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, UWWF works towards a future where every person in the community can reach their full potential. To learn more, visit uwwf.org.
