HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM) – The last thing kids are thinking about right now is going back to school, but it will be here before you know it and the Stuff the Bus Campaign will help area kids to start the school year off right.
Last year United Way of Greater Ottawa County collected more than $25,000 worth of school supplies for kids in need. Companies in Ottawa county served as collection sites including the WHTC studios on Central Avenue.
Right now area companies are needed to host collection sites. Two Men and a Truck in Holland will drop off the collection boxes and pick them up when the collection drive ends.
The program is designed to give kids in need the tools to start the school year off right. United Way’s Shannon LaHaie tells WHTC News that it’s a step up and not a hand out.
“Sometimes families have to choose between paying the electric bill or getting their child a new backpack. We really want to make sure we’re filling the gap for every family that has a need. Last year we gave out almost 1,000 backpacks filled with all the supplies students need, but we still had a waiting list after that.” LaHaie says.
The supplies that are needed include backpacks, erasers, pencil sharpeners, pencils, highlighters, pens of all colors, elementary-age scissors, notebooks, markers, folders, water bottles and everything you can think of to start the school year.
Sign up by July 17th by contacting Shannon LaHaie, VP of Volunteer Engagement, at United Way by calling or sending an email or call 616-396-7811.
The Stuff the Bus Collection Drive is from July 24 to August 7, 2017.
Stuff the Bus is a collaboration of Greater Ottawa County United Way, The Salvation Army in Grand Haven and in Holland and Grand Haven Area Public Schools.
