Contest With $500 Gift Cards Marks Start Of 'Tools For School' Program

Donated backpacks being loaded up. File photo.

United Way of Bucks County has launched Tools for School to help local students as back-to-school season gets underway.

The nonprofit said the program is a reimagined and expanded version of its long-running Stuff the Bus initiative, and it is offering three donors a chance to win a $500 gift card for the Bucks County school of their choice.

From now through Sept. 6, each person who makes a monetary donation will be entered into a giveaway. One winner will be selected from each region: Upper, Central and Lower Bucks County.

For more than a decade, Stuff the Bus was the largest back-to-school program for local kids and families.

Tools for School builds on that success, bringing a broader range of support and services to students, organizers said.

“We spoke to many families and educators. They told us there are gaps beyond backpacks and school supplies,” said Marissa Christie, president and CEO at United Way of Bucks County. “We are expanding to provide head-to-toe support, from new sneakers and hygiene kits to vision and hearing checks.”

The Tools for School program primarily supports students from Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families. ALICE families are those who are working but still struggle to afford basic necessities.

In addition to serving local families directly, United Way of Bucks County works with every local school district to identify students with the greatest needs.

To be eligible for the gift card contest, community members must make a direct cash donation to the nonprofit by Sept. 6, 2025.

Donations can be made online or by check, mailed to United Way of Bucks County at 413 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030.

Tools for School 2025 is presented by Univest Financial and is sponsored by several local businesses. Gold sponsors include First National Bank and Trust of Newtown. Silver sponsors include Comcast, Foundations Community Partnership, PECO and Peoples Security Bank and Trust. Corporate Tools For School Champions are L3 Harris and Walmart.

“Univest is honored to be the Presenting Sponsor of Tools for School,” said Betsy Roush, vice president of community relations for Univest. “Through our Committed To Local giving program, we support initiatives that strengthen the communities we serve. Tools for School does just that — ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.”

Advertisement