The pandemic and changes to how schools operate did not stop the United Way of Bucks County’s Stuff the Bus drive.
This year, Stuff the Bus served 3,400 Bucks County school children.
Advertisements
The students each received backpacks filled with essential back-to-school supplies, including pens and pencils, paper, erasers, and more. This year, each backpack included a pair of earbuds with a microphone for virtual learning.
“You’d be surprised how many people asked me why we pushed forward with Stuff the Bus,” said Marissa Christie, president and CEO of the United Way of Bucks County. “People wondered if kids really needed back to school supplies this year. The short answer is yes, whether they are in school or learning virtually, they need supplies. Plus, I think we owe it to our students to communicate in words and actions that school may not be the same, but it is still as important and valued as ever. That is the least we can do.”
Making the event different than past years was that the United Way of Bucks County did not have their large backpack stuffing event. Most years, there would be hundreds of volunteers who would gather to fill as many bags as possible to help Bucks County students.
Advertisements
In place of the large packing event, a smaller group of staff and volunteers gathered at the United Way of Bucks County’s HELP Center in Bristol Borough to gather and pack school supplies.
The pandemic had the Stuff the Bus drive adding cleaning supplies, disinfectants, hand sanitizer, and reusable masks for students in backpacks.
Advertisements
The uniquely 2020 necessities were funded through an $8,000 grant awarded by the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP) and funded by Penn Community Bank.
Stuff the Bus Project Manager Katie Matarazzo said the financial conditions saw families who used to provide donations to the yearly program asking for help.
“The pandemic has really caused a financial hardship for many people. Our families are in a tough spot. Many are experiencing loss of income. Some are dealing with unexpected expenses, like the cost of care for school aged children. Either way, they needed help with school supplies,” said Matarazzo.
Advertisements
Stuff the Bus was presented by Wells Fargo and was sponsored by Bay Sales of Bristol, Comcast, First National Bank and Trust of Newtown, PECO, The Pennsbury Education Association (PEA), and The Pennsbury Educational Support Professionals Association (PESPA).
Individual donations were collected and can still be made online or by checks that can be sent to United Way of Bucks County at 413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030, with “Stuff the Bus” written in the memo line.
Advertisements
Stuff the Bus donations were distributed to school districts and United Way member agencies who handed them out to families in need.
Advertisements
Editor’s Note: Publisher Tom Sofield is a member of the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
