HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Greater Ottawa County United Way will host its fifth annual Stuff the Bus school supply collection drive from Monday, July 24 – Monday, August 7.
United Way’s Vice President of Volunteer Engagement Shannon LaHaie said, “Last year, we were able to provide nearly 1,000 backpacks to kids in need. This year, we are confident in our community’s generosity to help us supply even more backpacks to help local kids start the school year off right.”
Community members can donate school supplies and backpacks for local kids at Fifth Third Bank locations in Ottawa County, Loutit District Library in Grand Haven and at the WHTC/92.7 The Van studios in Holland.
Supplies needed include: backpacks, water bottles, #2 pencils, pens (red, blue, and black), washable markers, dry erase markers, highlighters, colored pencils, folders, 3-ring binders (especially 1 1/2 inch white binders with clear view front), composition books, glue sticks, pencil sharpeners, pencil boxes, erasers, scissors, Post-It Notes, tab dividers, Kleenex and lanyards.
At the end of August, Stuff the Bus backpacks full of school supplies will be distributed to local kids in need. Students can pick up a backpack in Grand Haven on Wednesday, August 30 from 4:40-5:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army located at 310 N. Despelder Street. For the Grand Haven pick-up, students need to be pre-registered to receive a backpack. Pre-registration takes place at the Grand Haven Salvation Army through August 11 during office hours. You are asked to bring ID such as a birth certificate or social security card.
In Holland students cans pick up a backpack at the Holland Salvation Army located at 104 Clover Street on Thursday, August 17 from 5-7:00 p.m.. Pre-register by August 5 with The Salvation Army by calling (616) 392-446. Please bring a photo ID, social security card, social security numbers for all household members, and proof of income.
Stuff the Bus is a collaboration of Greater Ottawa County United Way, The Salvation Army and Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Two Men and a Truck supplies the collection boxes and helps drop off and pick up boxes during the drive.
Companies hosting in-house Stuff the Bus drives include: AD Bos Vending Services, Inc., City of Grand Haven, Davenport University, Fifth Third Bank, Flex, Grand Haven Custom Molding, Heartwood Lodge, JSJ Corporation, Loutit District Library, Macatawa Bank, Mercantile Bank, North Ottawa Community Health System, PADNOS, Seppo Chiropractic, Shape Corp., Tennant, Tyson Foods, Inc., USFC, WHTC and Woodward.
