Donations sought for Stuff the Bus event
With another school year about to begin, the United Way of Washington County is gathering items to help students as they embark on the next leg of their educational journey.
The organization is holding its inaugural Stuff the Bus event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Ignite Business Incubator parking lot at 57 E. Chestnut St. in Washington.
There will be two school buses collecting donations of new school supplies, hygiene items and non-perishable food. Donations will benefit the Community Circle Food Pantry and low-income students in Washington County.
“We are actively listening to our community and responding to its needs, which is why we really wanted to do a Stuff the Bus,” said Jessica Tennant, United Way of Washington County marketing and fundraising manager. “We understand that there is so much need for school items like pencils and erasers, but hygiene items as well. When a kid feels their best, fresh and ready for school, they’re going to do their best.”
There will be 90 Washington & Jefferson students volunteering at the event, which also will include a car wash for a $5 donation. Proceeds will benefit Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“We’re really excited to have that many student volunteers,” Tennant said. “It’s not only about getting these donations to go back into the community, but it’s about introducing these students to volunteerism, to different organizations and the people that they serve.
“On that same day, the bus is going to drive the food and the students right up to the food pantry and they will unload all of the food to the food pantry and the school items to the United Way, and the United Way will distribute the school supplies to low-income youth in Washington County.”
Collections are underway at four early donation sites – Crown Chrysler Dodge, Jeep & Ram, Chrome Federal Credit Union, Ignite and GG&C Bus Co.Donations can be dropped off through Friday.
There also is a Stuff the Bus Amazon Wish List for people to purchase items online at unitedwaywashco.org and have them shipped directly to the United Way office.
Sponsors for the Stuff the Bus include Washington & Jefferson College, GG&C Bus Co., The United Way of Washington County, the Ignite Business Incubator, MPLX and WJPA radio.