Every child deserves to start the school year feeling prepared, confident, and supported – and you can help make that happen. So say the organizers of the Stuff the Bus events for United Way of Central Kansas.

This annual drive is for school supplies and other essential needs in Barton and Pawnee counties. From backpacks and notebooks to hygiene items and nonperishable food, donations meet real, local needs. All collected items are distributed directly to local schools and partner organizations.

How to participate

• Shop during one of the events or drop off items at one of the collection sites.

• See the “What’s Needed List” for each community online at uwck.org/STB. Donations may also be made online at the UWCK website.

Schedule

• Hoisington’s Stuff the Bus for schools and the Community Food Bank will be July 23 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Town & Country Supermarket and Dollar General. 

• Great Bend’s event for area schools will be July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of Walmart and both Dillons stores. Volunteers are needed. Sign up athttps://volunteersinaction.galaxydigital.com/need/?agency_id=143082.

• Larned’s event for Pawnee County schools will be on July 24 from 4-6 p.m. at Dillons and Dollar General. 

• Ellinwood’s event is for Ellinwood area schools and the Ellinwood Heritage Senior Center. It will be on Aug. 6 from 5-6 at Ellinwood Family Foods and Dollar General.