Standing UNITED with kids in school
Jim Horne
Thursday, July 13, 2017
As the start of a new school year grows nearer every day, all parents and guardians will share the same normal anxieties that come every year when their child enters the classroom. For some students that transition proves more difficult when they simply do not possess basic school supplies every child needs to succeed. With the critical importance of a good education towards socio-economic success, no student should have to worry about lacking pens, pencils, notebooks, rulers or any other basic school supplies. According to the National Retail Federation, last year, parents spent on average $694 dollars on school supplies, for a national average of $75.8 billion on back-to-school and college spending. In 2017, that number will significantly increase.
Every year, United Way of Greater Union County makes a significant contribution towards solving this problem. Through our Stuff the Bus campaign, UWGUC partners with corporations and individuals to acquire school supplies for hundreds of Union County students whose families could not afford to do themselves. Our team, along with volunteers from some of our partners, then “stuff” individual backpacks with these basic supplies. This is a team effort that brings together some truly dedicated people for a great cause.
The true highlight of Stuff the Bus, without question is the day we deliver the backpacks to the children who will be receiving them. Riding a school bus for the day across Union County, United Way of Greater Union County executives and employees hand out these backpacks to children at several different locations. Few things are as rewarding or as meaningful, as seeing the smile that lights up a child’s face when they receive something they need, and treasure. Imagine being able to do this hundreds of time in a single day and you can understand why we take such pride in Stuff the Bus!
Our work never stops, with programs and campaigns going throughout the year. For that one day every August, however, I honestly believe that the only thing that matters is shining a little light in the life of a child in need. Stuff the Bus epitomizes what it means to Stand United, and always will.