'Stuff the Bus' Drives Deliver Thousands of School Supplies Across US, Canada

The 'Stuff the Bus' campaign is a nationwide effort to provide school supplies to children in need ahead of the new school year. Various communities, including Boston, Rochester, Pensacola, Edmonton, and St. Augustine, are organizing drives where volunteers collect and distribute supplies like backpacks, pencils, and notebooks to low-income families and schools. The Salvation Army and other local partners have been instrumental in purchasing and distributing supplies, helping to alleviate the financial burden on families who struggle to afford essential items for their children. In Pensacola, donors and former educators emphasized the importance of supporting students to avoid feelings of embarrassment and to ensure they are prepared for school. The initiative also highlights the significant out-of-pocket expenses teachers face, with programs like St. Augustine's Tools 4 Schools assisting thousands of teachers and students through collected donations. These efforts underscore a broad community commitment to ensuring all students have the necessary tools for academic success.