Thousands of items collected in back-to-school drive

By NewsPress Now

Community members donated nearly 19,000 school supplies during the past weekend’s United Way Stuff the Bus drive.

Volunteers collected 4,000 more items than during last year’s event in buses parked outside St. Joseph’s two Walmart stores. More than $1,700 also was donated to purchase additional supplies.

The supplies will be given to students in need through United Way partner agencies, including at an event this Thursday, Aug. 8, at The Salvation Army. To learn more about how to get supplies at that event, people should call 816-232-5824.

“The caring power of community was strongly visible this weekend. Community members’ generosity will reach hundreds of students in the area,” said United Way President Kylee Strough. “Thank you to the community for coming together to help ensure children can start school with the tools and supplies needed to be successful in the classroom.”

More than 300,000 school supplies have been donated at Stuff the Bus drives since they began in 2009.