The United Way of the U.S. Virgin Islands has scheduled its annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ school supply drive for the 2019-2020 school year. Since August 2016, the program has collected over $300,000 worth of school supplies and has distributed approximately 3,500 supplemental school supply kits and backpacks stuffed with school supplies to students.
This initiative has made a tremendous difference in the lives of children throughout the territory. The United Way USVI recognizes that getting ready for back to school can be a stressful time for families that may be struggling to make ends meet. The list of items needed to equip children for the first day of school can be overwhelming, especially for households with multiple children to prepare for the beginning of the new school year.
Being ready for academic success starts on day one! This allows students the opportunity to develop in enrichment programs and extracurricular activities that are paramount to a child’s overall educational success. Having the tools to participate in such programs is critical. The main goal of the ‘Stuff the Bus’ program is to help alleviate the stress and financial burden on parents by providing learning tools for success.
This year’s goal is to give students 2,000 school supply kits territory-wide. The United Way USVI is requesting support from local businesses, organizations and the caring power of the V.I. community-at-large to join the United Way in this cause by helping to send the children back to school prepared to learn. School supply donations are being accepted through Aug. 16 at one of several ‘Stuff the Bus’ collection locations on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John.
Please contact the United Way USVI team by emailing assistance@unitedwayusvi.org or by calling 626-5464 for more information.
