Lewisburg, WV (WOAY) Communities in Schools Greenbrier County is asking for donations for this year’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive.
Until August 24th, several local organizations will have bus-shaped donation boxes to stuff with needed school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, binders, clear water bottles, mechanical pencils, pencil pouches, and basic craft supplies.
Executive director Brittany Brackenridge says that donated school supplies help prepare the next generation of West Virginians for a successful year of education:
“This is a way for us to ensure that students feel confident and…prepared the moment that they walk in the door.”
According to the West Virginia Department of Education, over half of West Virginia’s enrolled students are considered “low socioeconomic status,” meaning a lack of basic school supplies is often a real barrier between West Virginians and school success. Brackenrich says teachers often make sacrifices to help their students:
“The other intent for Stuff the Bus is actually to help support teachers as well… years ago there was a statistic that came out that teachers were actually spending around $700 a year of their own money out of pocket for school supplies.”
That number has only gone up with the cost of living over the years.
“By supplying teachers and preparing students, it helps the state of West Virginia be more prepared and be more willing and ready to learn. And then this generation becomes the next generation of leaders, lawmakers, doctors…”
Drop-off locations in the Lewisburg area include City National Bank, Burke & Herbert Bank, Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center, the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and Love Child Clothes and Toys.
Those attending the West Virginia State Fair on Monday, August 17th can also get a discount when they bring certain Stuff-the-Bus-eligible items. To learn more about Stuff the Bus and other programs for local students, visit cisgc.org or the Communities in Schools Greenbrier County Facebook page.
